Texas Hold 'em goes all in for free @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on August 16, 2006

News: Microsoft announces the next wave of content for Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays.

After several rounds of rumors, Microsoft has officially announced the release date for Texas Hold 'em, their free poker game that is coming to the Xbox Live Arcade.

Texas Hold 'em is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, August 23 at 1 AM Pacific time. Why has Microsoft announced the exact hour you ask? Well, for 48 hours, (from August 23 through 1 AM Pacific on Friday, August 25) Texas Hold 'em will be a free download for all Xbox Live members. Those that wish to download it after the first 48 hours will have to ante up 800 Microsoft Points.

While a glut of Texas Hold 'em games have invaded every console recently, Microsoft's Texas Hold 'em promises to be different. First of all, the game sports a feature known as "Persistent Bankroll". This stroke of genius ties your chip count to your Gamertag so as players move from table and table their chips go with them. And if you get busted, you'll have to work your way back up from nothing... just like in real life. The title will also include three modes of play (Standard Games, Scenarios and Tournaments) and the standard complement of Xbox Live Achievements, online leaderboards and statistics, and high-definition graphics.

In addition to Texas Hold 'em, Microsoft has also revealed the next wave of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays content, which is as follows:

Cloning Clyde Picture Pack, the action adventure/puzzle game created by Wahoo Studios/NinjaBee (developer of the popular Outpost Kaloki X for Xbox Live Arcade), will have 4 new gamer picture packs available on Xbox Live Marketplace on Wednesday, August 16, allowing gamers to check out more unique pictures of Clyde. Each gamer picture pack: 100 Microsoft Points (each).

Time Pilot, the futuristic fighter pilot classic from Konami, lets gamers fight through different eras like never before. High-definition graphics and enhanced gameplay designed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade makes this version even better than the original from 1982. Gamers can download Time Pilot on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday, August 30. Available: 400 Microsoft Points.

Scramble, the classic side-scrolling 'shoot-'em up' coin-op title from Konami takes off on Xbox Live Arcade. The 1981 classic, widely considered the first 'multi-level shooter,' launches on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday September 6. Available: 400 Microsoft Points.

We'll have more Xbox Live Arcade related news shortly.