Only a few months ago, Microsoft announced its lineup for the Summer of Arcade promotional series. Now, thanks to a misstep by the developers of Super Meat Boy, Microsoft has officially unveiled its new promotion, The Game Feast.
Since XBLA’s Summer of Arcade started in 2008, Microsoft has filled every summer with great downloadable titles. More often than not, I end up enjoying these bite-sized games more than their full-priced retail brothers. Where would we be without Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, Braid, Castle Crashers, ‘Splosion Man, and Shadow Complex?
These games push the boundaries of creativity and style in video games. If you haven’t played Limbo, from this year’s Summer of Arcade, go buy it NOW. Its style and atmosphere are haunting and the gameplay will keep you coming back. If this fall’s Game Feast lives up to the quality of The Summer of Arcade, we are all in for a treat.
Check out all four courses below:
- Hydrophobia — September 29th, 1200 Microsoft Points
- Comic Jumper — October 6th, 1200 Microsoft Points
- Pinball FX2 — October 13th, Tables purchased individually
- Super Meat Boy — October 20th, Pricing TBD
Hydrophobia is a survival-adventure game that, as you probably guessed, takes place underwater. The gameplay relies heavily on realistic water effects, and allows the player to interact with the environment extensively. The development team claims the world is entirely dynamic and that the levels will be different each time through.
Comic Jumper comes from the wonderful indie developer Twisted Pixel Games, who created ‘Splosion Man. Comic Jumper has an eerily similar premise to that of Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. It is a beat ‘em up that requires the heroes to travel through four different comic book styles and fix the plot. The four styles, modern, fantasy, silver age and manga, each have their own unique graphics and enemies.
Pinball FX 2 is the sequel to the original Pinball FX for XBLA. It is a free update for owners of Pinball FX content. Players simply import their Pinball FX tables into the Pinball FX 2 interface where they receive graphical updates and new achievements. Pinball FX 2 also has new tables that are purchased individually.
Super Meat Boy is touted as the main course of The Game Feast and is my most anticipated game on the list. The game is a throwback to a lot of NES classics and includes warp zones that transport you to indie and retro games, complete with gameplay and rules that match the respective game. Super Meat Boy has over 300 levels, unlockable characters from other games, co-op, and a number of things guaranteed to keep you from putting down the controller. I can’t wait to get a hold of what is sure to be an instant classic.
The Game Feast is a great idea and is probably Microsoft’s way of diverting attention from their Xbox Live Gold price increase. Regardless of their business intentions, The Game Feast is a great continuation of The Summer of Arcade and is sure to force me to eat a little more ramen. I’m not complaining, but I don’t know if I can afford a "Winter Wonderland of Games" or a "Spring Game Slamfest".
Can your wallet keep up with the Xbox Live Arcade? Does this feast sound tasty? What game are you most interested in?
The Game Feast begins September 29 on Xbox 360.
Source: Major Nelson