Microsoft has announced the Xbox 360 Live Arcade summer 2008 game line-up that includes not only the “Summer of Arcade” list of five new games, but chances to win prizes as well, including up to 100,000 Microsoft Points, an Xbox 360 Elite console and more.
The summer line-up starts on Wednesday, July 30th at 9:30 AM GMT (2:00 AM PDT) with Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, the sequel to the extremely successful original, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. The “Summer of Arcade” Sweepstakes also starts that Wednesday and by logging in and playing a trail version or purchasing and playing the full version of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 you’ll be entered into the Sweepstakes (both the weekly as well as the Grand Prize) for that week for your chance to win prizes. Make sure you do so for each game during the Summer of Arcade to be entered into the various sweepstakes!
The full “Summer of Arcade” lineup includes:
* July 30 – Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 – The latest version of the wildly popular retro shooter offers screen-melting intensity and insane new features, including six action-packed gameplay modes, new enemies, scoring strategies and a diverse list of exciting Achievements. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will be available at 800 Microsoft Points.
* August 6 – Braid – From acclaimed developer Jonathan Blow, Braid is a mind-bending and artistic puzzle-platformer where the player manipulates the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. Braid is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB.
* August 13 – Bionic Commando: Rearmed – The classic 8-bit sidescroller reports back for duty in a stunning remake, complete with all-new HD graphics and features that put 2D gaming back on the map! Bionic Commando: Rearmed is rated M for Mature by the ESRB
* August 20 – Galaga Legions – The legend lives on with Galaga Legions, a reimagining of the classic arcade shooter. Featuring table-turning game dynamics and updated graphics, the game was created by the team behind the bestselling Pac-Man: Championship Edition from Namco Bandai Games. Galaga Legions is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.
* August 27 – Castle Crashers – Award-winning studio The Behemoth brings red hot arcade adventure to Xbox Live Arcade with Castle Crashers, featuring hand-drawn characters and an array of weapons to choose from as you defend your kingdom and save the princess. Castle Crashers is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.
The prizes you can win include:
* Grand Prize (x1) – 100,000 Microsoft Points, 12 month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription and an Xbox 360 Elite console
* Runner-Up Prizes (x2) – 10,000 Microsoft points and a free 12 Month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription
* Weekly Prizes (x5) – 4000 Microsoft points
All games will be available worldwide, with the exception of “Bionic Commando Rearmed,” which will be available worldwide except Korea.
The “Summer of Arcade” sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom and the 50 United States or District of Columbia 17+. No purchase necessary. Skill testing question required for Canadian residents. Game ends September 2, 2008. For details including free, alternate method of entry, see Official Rules at www.xbox.com/summerofarcade.