Rumor: MS to go all out for release #100 [DEBUNKED]
As I'm sure you've all heard already, November 15th marks the fifth anniversary of Xbox Live, but did you know that a week later Microsoft is having another anniversary that hits a little closer to home for us at XBLArcade.com?
Having launched on November 22, 2005, the Xbox 360 and, by proxy, XBLA in its current rendition are approaching their second birthday next week. Over the last two years XBLA has certainly seen its share of ups and downs. Luckily for those of us who enjoy the service and follow the new releases, the ups have definitely outweighed the downs. Being able to assume that one, if not two releases will come out each week is something we could not do when the service was in its infancy.
An interesting side note is that assuming that Screwjumper! is this week's only release, next week will also see the 100th title to be released on the service. So to sum it all up, next week is not only the second celebration of XBLA’s birth but also the launch of its centennial title!
Given all this history, and the chance to boast their accomplishments, what are the chances that Microsoft is going to allow these two events to pass without giving us something momentous?
A better question is what game could possibly celebrate the service in the way Microsoft is looking to celebrate? The game would have to have its roots firmly planted in XBLA history while still being a title that almost every fan has been dreaming of.
An inside source whom I hold very highly has let slip that MS is very aware of these milestones and is planning something HUGE for us.
If everything goes well (it seems everyone has to worry about certification these days), next week we will be playing the “true” sequel to the biggest XBLA title to date.
Any guesses as to what this title might be? :)
[UPDATE] With Gamerscore Blog's PR release this morning the 100th release is not going to be the big surprise release alluded to in this post. While the aniversary release could still be the sequel, it's looking less and less so.
[UPDATE 2] The Xbox Domain has gotten the following statement from Bizarre: "Not true I'm affraid. We are working on more Geometry Wars fun...but you won't be seeing it next week". While this certainly debunks this rumor, the comments certainly seem to suggest that we will be seeing the sequel at some point in the future.
Comments
Hexxagonal
23061
Tomacco
22869
@Hexx - lol, ummmm.....think a little bigger :)
Donny NL
70142
Hexxagonal
23061
frogger!
At over 100mb, Castlevania is the biggest XBLA title, right?
Seriously, I'm not sure I believe this, what with Bizarre's repeated denials and everything, but we'll see on Wednesday, won't we?
McLean78
72409
I don't think Bizarre has ever denied anything. Whenever talking about Galaxies or Waves, they were always clear that those were not the true sequel to GW:RE and hinted that there would be another on xbla.
But isn't Undertow supposed to be released on the 21st? I wonder if they would release 2 shooters at once. It would be a shame if Undertow got completely overshadowed by some big anniversary hype.
MightyHealthy
118649
Sounds like a Geometry Wars sequel.
</captain obvious>
Jcnet
108782
20 bucks says it is a new geometry wars game.
My money is on geometry wars galaxies - that game comes out on the DS and the WII on nov 20th. I'd say it is a safe bet we get an XBLA version 2 days later. Either that or geometry wars waves but i'd say galaxies is more likely.
Im not a huge geo wars fan so if i am right I will be greatly disappointed.
OzzieDreamer
I am totally hooked on Geometry Wars! Didn't even know a new version was coming out as I don't have a Wii or DS. Game looks great, here is a link to the video: http://gamevideos.com/video/id/15852
Dirty Whirlwind
41376
ImmortalWeapon7
10938
henri08
14750
Mortal Kombat (the very first one) would be fantastic and since it's an old (but very good) game they would probably sell it only 400msp. I really wish there will be more Mortal Kombats in XBLA in future.
I do doubt that a new Mortal Kombat would be released soon since it would've been mentioned in the Mortal Kombat Online site for sure (which I visit once in a while).
I bet that the 100th game is for sure a sequel to a popular XBLA game. Like a new Geometry Wars, or Hexic 3? Since Hexic HD is so popular it wouldn't be a big surpise that Hexic 3 would be the 100th XBLA game. Also a new Bomberman or Worms are noteworthy alternatives.
,Z
Shaolin Munkeh
60896
Uno 2?
Most likely Geometry Wars though, hope it had online co-op this time around!
Dirty Whirlwind
41376
A new Hexic? No, no, no. That would actually be a huge surprise, with Hexic 2 so recently and all. A new Bomberman or Worms are also out of the question.
Probably a new Geometry Wars if it comes down to an XBLA sequel. Maybe a new card deck for UNO.
Reza1404
SSFIITHDR???? The length of the title alone is worthy of the 100th release :).
Dirty Whirlwind
41376
Haha, Screwjumper is the 100th arcade game. Man, that blows.
http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2007/11/12/554512.aspx
Reza1404
Gaseousnake
235
Shrek-n-Roll?!?! Not the best game to celebrate the 100th launch on XBLA, I think, but it looks fun...
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/shreknrollxboxlivearcade/
This is there"going all out"!?!?
Wow! I hope they don't make this a trend.
First Yaris, now this???
Hexxagonal
23061
LunarDuality
36370
pocho sanin r
14500
I think it is gonna be Sonic the hedgehog 3, I hope.
(UPDATE) Ohhh crap... http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2007/11/12/this-week-on-arcade-we-celebrate-our-100th-title.aspx
VinnieDaMac
13457
Shrek N roll to be the "huge" celebration? That would be a slap in the face.
starcade
24902
It also seems as if Microsoft was caught off guard with the 100th XBLA release, and didn't really do anything special, and instead they concentrated more on the 5th year anniversary of Live.
Oh well, maybe the next milestone...