The annual Xbox Live Summer of Arcade usually treats fan to at least a couple amazing downloadable titles every year. With that in mind, Microsoft has finally revealed the exact dates and order in which this year’s lineup will release. While the titles that are a part of the selection this year are no surprise – having been announced a few months back – we finally know how much each game is going to cost. Here’s the breakdown:
- August 7- Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (1200 Microsoft Points)
- August 14- Charlie Murder (800 Microsoft Points)
- August 21-Flashback (800 Microsoft Points)
- August 28- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (1200 Microsoft Points)
Totally coincidental I’m sure, but the games are releasing in alphabetical order. (Fun fact?) It figures the two titles I’m most interested in are the more expensive of the bunch. For those who don’t know, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is an adventure game which, surprise surprise, revolves around two brothers who venture across a variety of landscapes in search of a cure for their dying father. They must make use of their surroundings to survive and overcome environmental puzzles. The TMNT game is, as one might expect, a beat ’em up featuring those shell-kicking brothers as they go toe-to-toe with the Shredder and his Foot clan. It supposedly takes place within the universe created by the new Nickelodeon series, but the animation and character designs are not similar.
Charlie Murder is a punk rocker’s wet dream come to life. Billing itself as an RPG Brawler, the game tasks players with leading a punk rock band by the name of Charlie Murder through an adventure to defeat rival “death metalers.” The RPG aspect comes from hoarding loot to power up your characters, earning fans to unlock finishing moves, and getting tattoos to boost the band’s “Anar-Chi.” On the way other end of the spectrum is Flashback, a remake of the classic Genesis-era platformer. Touted to be an expanded remake by the development team, which retains a number of core members from the original release, the new version includes voice work and additional narrative as well as an updated skill system. Flashback will be one of those nostalgia-infused romps that’ll make old-school gamers feel that tinge of pride.
Are you folks ready for a month’s worth of Arcade releases? Which titles do you plan on picking up? Is a steady stream of quality downloadable Arcade games enough to quench your thirst from the typical summer drought of console releases? Tell us what you think, and don’t forget to like IGXPro on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or give us the ‘ol +1 on Google+. If you can’t get enough of my shenanigans, (who could blame you?) you can check me out @GamingsNirvana, or add +VinnyParisi to your circles.
