Xbox Live Arcade on the Xbox360 is polished, easy to use and generally damn fine. HD updates of arcade classics and popular casual games - all with the inclusion of the genius Gamer Points system - mean Arcade is a great way to get a quick fix when there isn't enough time for Oblivion of Battlefield. Heck, Arcade - and we're looking at you Zuma and Geometry Wars - kept us going in those dark post launch months before Ghost Recon arrived.
But up until recently Arcade had been fairly under-populated, with new releases decidedly thin on the ground. This has changed in recent weeks with Galaga, Frogger and others, but as initially amusing as these games are, the nostalgic buzz wears off. This is why the news that Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is coming to Arcade is good indeed. Generally ignored when released on the original PlayStation - mainly for not being 3D - the game built up a cult following attracted by the sheer quality of the platform/adventuring action. Oh, and the music wasn't bad either. That such a recent game can appear on Live shows a pointer to where the service could be heading - retro has shot from 78-98 and could go even later. Sony and Nintendo have similar plans to exploit the retro/casual download market but for now just look forward to playing one of the finest games of the 90s on your 360.
