Atari classics on Xbox Live Arcade

[ferrarimanf355]

I know, it's been a while, but I had a lot of things to catch up on in real life. Anyways, with all that cleared, I should note that Atari has finally jumped on the Xbox Live Arcade bandwagon.

November 6, 2006

 

No Cartridges or Quarters Needed! Atari Classics and More Coming to Xbox Live. Arcade

 

In addition to its robust classic arcade roster, Microsoft also delivers a great mix of original development and independent game titles to Xbox Live members this holiday season and into the New Year

 

Today, as part of the Xbox 360 showcase event, Microsoft provided a preview of some of its holiday and early 2007 line-up for Xbox Live Arcade, the premiere destination for downloadable games. Centipedes, Asteroids and Missiles will be among the many gaming icons to visit gamers' homes next year, as Microsoft and Atari, Inc. announced the future arrival of some of the most beloved classic coin-op games on Xbox Live Arcade.

 

Beginning in January 2007, Atari will release six titles on Xbox Live Arcade throughout the year. Both classic and evolved versions will be available for each of the following titles:

 

Centipede./Millipede.: defend your village against an onslaught of centipedes, spiders, army ants and more. In addition to the classic mode, the evolution mode offers high definition graphics and special effects like motion blur, trails and particle-based explosions to make the experience as enjoyable today as it was 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. Additionally, players can use the Xbox Live Vision camera to watch live video of their opponents. 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 personalization.

 

Playing these Atari favorites on Xbox Live Arcade provides gamers with a next-generation experience found nowhere else. All Atari games for Xbox Live Arcade feature high definition graphics with enhanced sound effects, full online leaderboard support, TrueSkill matchmaking for multiplayer games and feature a variety of Achievements. Gamers also have the option to play the original arcade versions of these classic titles.

 

With our already diverse library of retro classics, original development and indie games, plus a host of new games hitting our service in the upcoming months, it's never been more fun to play on Xbox Live Arcade, said Greg Canessa, group manager of Xbox Live Arcade. The Atari Classics in particular will provide an incredible gaming experience for our community and I personally can't wait until everyone can play these updated versions for themselves.

 

Years ago, we couldn't even have imagined how gorgeous the classic games from 25 years ago would look with high definition graphics, but Xbox 360 has allowed us to make that leap, said Chris Bergstresser, Senior Vice President, Atari Networks. Enhanced with leaderboards, achievements and multiplayer support, these classic franchises are brought to a whole new level - offering gamers an experience like they've never had before.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127535

So, Centipede and Millipede in one pack, Asteriods and Asteriods Deluxe in one pack as well, Live Vision support and Live multiplayer for Warlords and Battlezone, and upgraded graphics. If the evolved mode in Tempest looks and plays like Tempest 2000, or at least has custom soundtrack support, I'll be in heaven.

[Gabriel]

No Space Duel.

 

I'd probably get the Centipede/Millipede pack if it's 400 points.

[carpecarne]

How would you play warlords on an X-box controller?!

[liveinabin]

So how much do these games cost to download in real terms?

[Gabriel]

How would you play warlords on an X-box controller?!

 

Probably the same way you do on the PS2 Atari Anthology.

[Gabriel]

So how much do these games cost to download in real terms?

 

400 points is about $5 US.

 

So far, it seems games like this are priced at 400 or 800. All the Coin-Op games on Arcade are 400 points except for Ultimate MK 3 which is 800.

[Flojomojo]

It's not a terrible deal even if you already bought these games in other formats. The 360 versions always have new graphics, online gimmicks, and more ... plus it's nice having them on the HD without having to get up and swap a disc.

 

I really liked the Atari Anthology games in 1080p on XBOX for $20 and wish the price for these were a little bit better, but I'll probably be getting most of these, XBLArcade whore that I am. At least they had the decency to bundle Asteroids and Centipede sequelae.

 

This will be the LAST time I pay for these oldies, do you hear me! The LAST time!!!

[ferrarimanf355]

So how much do these games cost to download in real terms?

 

400 points is about $5 US.

 

So far, it seems games like this are priced at 400 or 800. All the Coin-Op games on Arcade are 400 points except for Ultimate MK 3 which is 800.

If I remember correctly, Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting was also 800.

How would you play warlords on an X-box controller?!

I think the analog triggers would do just fine.

Edited November 6, 2006 by ferrarimanf355

[Lauren Tyler]

Oh boy! Finally I can have a multiplayer game of Warlords with real people!

[Flojomojo]

If I remember correctly, Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting was also 800.

Yup.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_Live_Arcade

[StormSurge]

The answer to the Warlords question. A joystick, with a spinner (aka paddle) stick included.

 

http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2006/11/16/re...ses-next-month/

 

The biggest of which is the addition of a "spinner" control around the smaller analogue stick on the right side of the controller. Older fanboys will recognize the spinner as a "paddle" controller, allowing accurate control in games like Pong and Tempest.

 

[devils advocate]

The answer to the Warlords question. A joystick, with a spinner (aka paddle) stick included.

 

http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2006/11/16/re...ses-next-month/

 

The biggest of which is the addition of a "spinner" control around the smaller analogue stick on the right side of the controller. Older fanboys will recognize the spinner as a "paddle" controller, allowing accurate control in games like Pong and Tempest.

 

 

That stick looks great!

[AMG]

 

 

That is awesome.

[Flojomojo]

Ya think? I think it looks too crowded to be usable, especially the thumb buttons in the top right. And I'll bet it's not wireless (hurls into keyboard).

[moycon]

Hmmm I've definately been wanting an Arcade stick, Unfortunately, this isn't what I had in mind.

I would rather have something like the XArcade sticks:

 

http://www.athomedownunder.com/two-player.shtml

 

Plus I have 2 of the 3 games that comes with the stick. I wish they had just given enough points to get 3 Classic games instead of choosing the games. Still, if it gets awesome reviews I may pick one up.

[Clint Thompson]

At first I was hugely excited about getting the MadCatz arcade joystick... and while I may still end up getting it... like said before, it's overly crowded. Not only that... but it looks cheap for $60 and it's fine if it's not wireless... just as long as the USB cord is long enough. Even then... I can't quite see myself using it the way I want to or would be used to. It's just kind of an odd retro joystick.

[slip81]

Now all wee need is a track ball for missile command, or would one of those gadgets from X-Arcade work. . .

[Flojomojo]

I wouldn't be surprised if a USB mouse is supported -- and you could go wireless with those, too. I think the Atari set for Playstation 2 for PS2 accepts mouse input for the trackball and spinner games.

[Gabriel]

It's not a terrible deal even if you already bought these games in other formats. The 360 versions always have new graphics, online gimmicks, and more ... plus it's nice having them on the HD without having to get up and swap a disc.

 

 

Ultimately, this does seem to be the reason I did a 180 and paid to download the several arcade games I now have (and already had on other platforms). I particularly liked the graphical remix on Time Pilot and hope Gyruss gets a similar treatment. And I tend to play the games on my 360 merely because I find it convenient to just go to my dashboard and select the game I want. In short, I've become too damn godforsaken lazy to get up and change a disc.