Contra leads 2006/2007 Live Arcade lineup @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on November 06, 2006

News: A four pack of original games and a new deal with Atari highlight the next wave of XBLA titles.

Microsoft has pulled back the curtain on the next wave of Xbox Live Arcade titles by announcing Contra will be available this Wednesday for 400 points.

This update of the Contra arcade game will include online muliplayer, enhanced graphics, an original mode for purists, Achievements and, of course, the Konami Code.

Microsoft went on to list a few other games that will be hitting the XBLA "before Christmas:"

Small Arms (Gastronaut Studios) Ц an indie-developed original title designed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade, featuring frantic multiplayer brawling combined with action and precision shooting.

Novadrome (Buena Vista Games) Ц originally developed futuristic racing on Xbox Live Arcade.

Assault Heroes (Wanako/Vivendi Games) Ц blast waves of formidable foes in this originally developed top-down shooter, single player or two player co-op action.

Heavy Weapon (PopCap Games) Ц experience this irreverent, original side-scrolling action game that supports up to 4 players simultaneously.

Defender (Midway) Ц space combat classic updated for this generation.

And if that weren't all, MS has reached a deal with Atari to bring six Atari classics to the XBLA in 2007. They are:

Centipede/Millipede: Defend your village against an onslaught of centipedes, spiders, army ants and more, now with pre-rendered, high definition graphics. In addition to the classic mode, the evolution mode offers high definition graphics and special effects like motion blur, trails and particle-based explosion effects make this classic as enjoyable today as it was in the arcade decades ago.

Battlezone: The original tank vs. tank action classic has received an Xbox Live overhaul, adding in exciting new multiplayer modes including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. This updated version is truly a must-have for any fan of the original, which is also included. Combine these features with new special effects for weapon firing, impacts and explosions and you have one killer classic as you've never experienced it before.

Asteroids/Asteroids Deluxe: Rotate, thrust, flip, fire and jump to hyperspace as you blast oncoming asteroids to smithereens just like in the 1979 original, but in updated, beautifully rendered, high definition graphics that complement the classic original.

Missile Command: Protecting your city from alien missile attacks has never looked better now that this classic has been overhauled with updated graphics and 3D rendered vistas. Choose from the evolved mode or the timeless original gameplay.

Tempest: Clear a web of enemies before time runs out and advance to the next stage, using an arsenal of weapons at your disposal. This evolved version features a graphics overhaul while maintaining the same addictive gameplay of the original.

Warlords: A multiplayer classic that resurrects the competitive spirit of arcade games from years gone by. Knock out the other kings in their castles while keeping yourself protected at the same time. Up to four players can join the action with the game taking control of any vacant castles allowing for a variety of single- or multiplayer experiences. Gamers can also import their own pictures to their castles for an extra personalisation.

We'll have more on all these games soon.