Kaz Hirai's triumphant warcry of "Ridge Racer" on the PSP led people to believe other key PSOne titles would soon be heading to the PSP via emulation. Apparently Konami missed the memo, as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is making its way to Xbox Live Arcade.
The September issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly (issue: 207) reports:
When will SOTN head to XBLA? Representatives from Konami told 1UP that the game is tenatively slated for a Q1 2007 release on XBLA.
UPDATE:
For clarification, the version of Symphony of the Night that will appear on Xbox Live is not the Sega Saturn version of the title, it is the PlayStation version. Furthermore, nothing from Konami has indicated that SOTN's appearance on XBLA will keep the title exclusive to Microsoft's Live Arcade.
‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ punches its way into Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays on August 2
One of the most anticipated games of the summer, ‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ hits Xbox Live Arcade today, Wednesday, August 2. The old-school classic from Capcom stays true to its roots with an amazing retro feel, and brings multiplayer action to the classic title for the first time. ‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ melds the best of retro arcade gaming with the preeminent next-gen features that only Xbox 360 and Xbox Live can offer.
GAME FOCUS:
As a true tribute to this critically acclaimed arcade fighting game, ‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ delivers the game in original form but also includes all new content specifically designed for Xbox Live Arcade. High definition video resolution, Achievements, Leaderboards, and online multiplayer combat over Xbox Live including the all new innovative "Quarter Match" takes this classic franchise phenom to next generation levels.
GAME FEATURES:
‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ comes packed with high-definition graphics, Xbox Live Achievements and Leaderboards plus online multiplayer matches providing endless hours of fun.
‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ offers:
* Online Multiplayer Mode - The game has both Ranked matches and Player matches, including the 4-player Quarter Match option * Quarter Match - entirely new mode for Xbox Live Arcade which is a spectator-based system as a tribute to the arcade roots, allowing online competitors (2 competitors and up to 2 spectators) to use a “virtual quarter” to “buy into” heated two player matches * Arcade Mode - simulates the single-player experience where gamers must work their way through a ladder of opponents until they face off against the final boss * Vs. Mode - allows two friends to select characters and battle it out * Fully customizable controls - players can map attacks to any of the main buttons and have the choice to map all three punches and/or all three kicks to a single button which simplifies complex moves * Comprehensive leaderboards - tracks overall and monthly best players using a point based system as well as rankings based on who is the best using each game character and most consecutive winning streaks * Achievements - complete 12 challenging offline and online objectives and earn your Achievements
WHEN CAN I GET IT: Download ‘Street Fighter II’ Hyper Fighting’ today, Wednesday, August 2, at 1am PST on Xbox Live Arcade.
HOW MUCH WILL I HAVE TO PAY: 800 Microsoft Points for the Full version; however, as with all Xbox Live Arcade Titles there will be a free trial version so you can try this game out.
For more information please visit Xbox.com or hit the 360-HQ games database.
Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays roll on with the July 26 explosive debut of 'Galaga'
Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays continue with the launch of 'Galaga', one of the most popular retro arcade games of all time. Originally released in 1981 by Namco, the addictive action shooter marks its 25 year anniversary with a next generation debut on Xbox Live Arcade on July 26.
GAME FOCUS:
Following its release in 1981 'Galaga' became an instant classic with its innovative fighter combination system and varied enemy attack patterns. Now the original 'Galaga' retro gameplay action is back! Take control of your fighter and defend against invading aliens. Join forces with other rescued fighters to form a Dual Fighter and attack with twice the firepower!
GAME FEATURES:
With high-definition graphics, Xbox Live Achievements and Leaderboards, the Xbox Live Arcade version of this all-time classic shooting game provides hours of fun.
'Galaga' boasts:
* Classic Galaga shooter action is back!
* Over 250 levels
* 12 unique Achievements
* Earn Perfect Bonuses and increase your fighter status
* Full worldwide Leaderboards
* Unique Dual Fighter combination attack mode
* Original music and sound effects
WHEN CAN I GET IT: Download 'Galaga', Wednesday, July 26, at 1am PDT on Xbox Live Arcade.
'Galaga' (Namco): 400 Microsoft Points
For more information please visit Xbox.com or our games database entry.
We're so excited about the great Xbox Live Arcade titles coming out this summer that we're gonna party like it's … um … 1986! Yep, we're inviting our friends over, cranking the Top Gun soundtrack (come on, you KNOW you wanna go back to the "Danger Zone"), ordering pizza, and playing retro Xbox Live® Arcade games.
Want to get in on the action? Throw your own Wednesday Night Arcade party! We'll even help get you started with a Party in a Box. Okay, there's not really a box, but here's what we'll send you:
* A free pizza from Papa John's.
* 1000 Microsoft points. Use 'em to download Xbox Live Arcade titles!
* Free digital music download to get your favorite eighties tunes.
All we ask in return? Take some pictures of your party and tell us who was there and what happened. What did you play? What did you listen to? Did you get pepperoni or sausage on your Pappa John's pizza?
If you're ready to host your own Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday party, drop us an email at [email protected], subject: "Arcade Party." Please include your gamertag!
This offer is only good while supplies last, so be sure to send in your request today. This offer is only available in the United States.
Looks like someone down under (Hobbs?) has said that the much anticipated Xbox Live Arcade title Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting has gotten a release date -- at least down under. According to Xbox Australia, the game is set to hit July 30th. Damn them Aussie's!
As for a US Release, according to Xbox US the game came out two months ago (March 2006), talk about vaporware. Maybe Microsoft should update every once in awhile.
Our friendly anonymous source at Microsoft has provided us with a few more details concerning the 360 accessories announced back at E3.
Perhaps the most important involves the bundling of the Xbox Live Vision camera with a wired headset, the popular Live Arcade title UNO, and a month of Live Gold service for $39.99 when it releases in the States on September 19, 2006.
Granted, this is still an unofficial report (based on a leak of "official" info), so understand that you're probably not gonna get much confirmation from MS until they're good and ready to give it. Here's information on what other peripherals are coming out "Holiday 2006" (so sometime in the 4th quarter) and at what price:
- New faceplates featuring Halo, Forza 2, & Viva Pinata for $19.99 each
- Wireless headest with a 30-foot range for $59.99
- 256MB Memory Unit for $59.99
- Wireless gaming receiver for $19.99 (but it'll go on sale in Winter 2007, unlike the others, probably around the month of February)