Xbox Live Arcade Hits announced; future XBLA releases detailed @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on November 30, 2007

News: Five titles go on sale and several more are dated.

Microsoft has announced another major addition to the Xbox Live Fall Dashboard Update: the Xbox Live Arcade Hits program. Like the Platinum Hits line of discounted Xbox 360 games, XBLA Hits will be discounted XBLA titles that have been a part of the service for a while.

The first five games to be added to the line include:

Bankshot Billiards 2 (800 Points)

Lumines Live (800 Points)

Marble Blast Ultra (400 Points)

Small Arms (400 Points)

Zuma Deluxe (400 Points)

Microsoft did not say how often games would be added to the XBLA Hits program, but I can almost guarantee it will happen on Wednesdays.

The company also unveiled a releases schedule for the next batch of Xbox Live Arcade releases. Between N+, Sensible World of Soccer, Rez and Omega Five, a lot of high-profile titles will be added to the service shortly.

Here's the full schedule:

Arkadian Warriors (Sierra Online). Gamers can play as one of three heroic shape-shifting warriors embarking on a trek of epic proportions to release the Land of Arkadia from the evil Gorgon's stony gaze. An original title on Xbox Live Arcade, УArkadian WarriorsФ features treacherous dungeons where cooperative hack-and-slash role-playing action enhances a deep single-player storyline. The game includes a robust LIVE-enabled cooperative multiplayer mode for two players online or on the same console.

Brain Challenge (Gameloft). An entertaining brain training program, УBrain ChallengeФ boosts brain activity and helps players develop stress-management skills thanks to a wide variety of games. A personal coach helps players develop their abilities in several areas of cognitive function, including logic, math, memory and visual thinking, in a fun and entertaining way.

GripShift (Sidhe Interactive). Through a mix of sky-high platforming and stunt driving, УGripShiftФ combines automotive and puzzle-solving skills across 120 challenge levels, 25 rubber-burning racetracks and 20 deadly Deathmatch arenas. Gamers can zoom to victory with four players over Xbox Live or race solo, all while enjoying a customizable music experience.

N+ (Slick Entertainment and Metanet Software Inc.). Gamers can play as an acrobatic ninja in this addictive action-puzzle platformer. УN+Ф features inadvertently homicidal robots, stylish graphics, a level editor and intense multiplayer awesomeness.

Omega Five (Hudson Entertainment). УOmega FiveФ is a next-gen, high-definition shooter with awe-inspiring graphics. Gamers can fly through dangerous 3-D environments in this side-scroller and do battle with enemies that come at them from all sides, even the background. УOmega FiveФ comes to Xbox Live Arcade this winter.

Poker Smash (Void Star Creations). Players will experience a whole new puzzle game with a poker twist as УPoker SmashФ delivers stunning visuals and radical features such as super-slow motion and card-blasting bombs. Gamers should get ready for a fast-paced innovative game with amazing HD graphics and a custom soundtrack that will blow them away!

Rez HD (Q Entertainment). The psychedelic, cult-classic shooter created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, УRez HDФ makes its way onto Xbox Live Arcade early next year. A frenetic, wire-frame adventure backed by industrial beats, the story of УRez HDФ takes players deep into the world's computer network, where they must hack the system, alter the visual output and take over the music, creating their own rhythms and eye candy as they dig deeper into the cyberworld.

Sensible World of Soccer (Codemasters). The game that inspired a generation, УSensible World of SoccerФ lets players experience both the classic and modern HD version. With multiple play modes, they can play a quick game, start a career mode, manage a team or take part in their own Champions league. (December 19)