XBLA 'Summer of Arcade' 2009 release schedule announced

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jul 9th 2009 at 12:40PM }

Microsoft's Major Nelson has revealed the full details of this year's "Summer of Arcade" ... and it's going to be mighty expensive if you're interested in the whole kaboodle.

July 22: TMNT: Turtles in Time Re-shelled 1200 ($15) 'Splosion Man 800 ($10)
July 29: Marvel vs. Capcom 2 1200 ($15)
August 5: 'Splosion Man ~~800 ($10)~~ TMNT: Turtles in Time Re-shelled 1200 ($15)
August 12: Trials HD 1200 ($15)
August 19: Shadow Complex 1200 ($15)

The only difference from this list and the previously announced lineup is the absence of Monkey Island Special Edition, which is scheduled for release next week on July 15.

[Update: Release schedule revised!]

Tags: marvel-vs-capcom-2, shadow-complex, splosion-man, summer-of-arcade, tmnt, trials-hd, turtles-in-time, xbla

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

Paul @ Jul 9th 2009 12:43PM

dang tmnt is 1200 points

uncle jesse @ Jul 9th 2009 1:00PM

Yeah, that's enough to crush my excitement. I still have my Super NES and Turtles in Time cartridge. I guess I'll just stick with the classic. It looks bad having a remake of a game cost the same as a fully fleshed out, lenghty game like Shadow Complex. I'm actually kind of shocked that SC will only be 1200 points. It's a nice surprise as I was expecting it to be a lot more than that.

Obie @ Jul 9th 2009 1:03PM

I could use those $15 and buy a real pizza!

"Pizza Time!"

CTC XBL-supapaypamawio PSN-ctclaw @ Jul 9th 2009 1:07PM

I was on the edge for TMNT at 800, 1200 is a no go for me. So far I want Shadow Complex and maybe MvC2, that'll be if the online works well though. I'll just wait for TMNT to go on sale, or for there to be a sale on points cards. I haven't even heard of Trials HD or 'Splosion Man...

Storm Eagle::The Blood Edge @ Jul 9th 2009 1:12PM

I can't argue the price point for any TMNT merchandise as I am an avid collector.

I will say this: looking on Ebay and comparing prices, it's really hard to gauge what the "right" price for this should be. The SNES cartridge alone is going for like $6 and the full package in mint condition is going for close to $40. That's a pretty broad range if you take those numbers into account. I think fans of the series won't have a problem with the price (I don't), but anyone who "just liked" the game is going to pass it up.

Vidikron @ Jul 9th 2009 1:16PM

"looking on Ebay and comparing prices, it's really hard to gauge what the "right" price for this should be"

Looking at eBay for TMNT (or MvC2) pricing is flawed to begin with. Those items are physical objects with true limited quantities. And being physical they can also be collected and resold later. XBLA games are not scarce and can not be resold. The pricing of items on eBay should have very little, if anything, to do with XBLA game pricing.

Warlock @ Jul 9th 2009 2:02PM

Yeah, same here. I've honestly been really disappointed in the very ugly "3d-ification" of it, to the point where I don't think I'm going to spend $15 on this when I feel the original version looks *much* better.

THE WICKER MAN (BWF) (GT: Dalek Prime) @ Jul 9th 2009 2:21PM

Whoa wtf turtle team? $15 bucks? The reason tmnt arcade has sold so well is because it was $5. It is still in the top ten downloads every week. Fifteen for a remake I did not need? I was happy with the thought of the original for 5. I will buy it anyway but I am getting sick of these $15 dollar games, and it looks like I will start waiting for sales on live for the rest. These companies are aware that the economy is shit and that the consumers have to stretch their dollars right? 15 bucks for a port of an old game is a little greedy.

Chicago Mafia @ Jul 9th 2009 2:24PM

@Vidikron XBLA games aren't scarce? Trying getting Lost Cities from XBLA if you haven't downloaded before when it was previously available. I didn't and now if I want that game, I'm SOL.

Vidikron @ Jul 9th 2009 2:32PM

That would be a purely artificial scarcity and would no impact on pricing because they are no longer for sale and already sold copies can't be resold. Plus as many people as want will be able to download these games when they release. Waiting till they are pulled is a different issue aside from pricing.

Paul @ Jul 9th 2009 2:41PM

@ Chicago Mafia
easy solution to that. that is, assuming this solution still works. find someone on the xbox forums (or here even) that has the game and let them know you are requesting to be their friend on xbox live. then have them choose the recommend to a friend option and then when you get that message from them, you can download the game.

Stevo @ Jul 9th 2009 3:59PM

$15 seems pretty reasonable to me. They re-hauled the graphics quite a bit and it is a classic game with multiplayer support.

If I play it half as much as I anticipate, it will be worth every penny.
www.theuglytree.com

VaultICEE @ Jul 9th 2009 4:51PM

There's no reason Turtles in Time can't be 800 points. If they included new levels, the original SNES or Arcade version, or just something special it would be worth the money. But, really... its just a remake. All they've done is spruce up the graphics to 3D and maybe recompose the music. But other than that... is there really any other effort being put in?

I also have to say this applies to Marvel vs. Capcom 2 as well. I think its a better game than Turtles in Time, but it just is not worth it for the money.

I was looking for to this one, I really was, but not anymore.

I'll save the money for Shadow Complex, something original that may deserve the 15$.

Bootleg Zani @ Jul 9th 2009 6:30PM

Not buying any of these games at these prices. I will just wait for the eBay sellers akino91783 and jamaicanswif268 to have them the week after the release for cheaper. Like I just bought Worms 2 Armageddon from jamaicanswif268 today for $5 when this game just came out last Wed (July 1st) for $10.

Akino's Store
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/akino91783_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_ipgZ

JamaicanSwif's Store
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/jamaicanswif268_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_ipgZ

CTC XBL-supapaypamawio PSN-ctclaw @ Jul 9th 2009 11:08PM

Wow, thanks bootleg! It had never occurred to me to even check ebay...I just bought Ticket to Ride for $6!

Elranzer @ Jul 10th 2009 10:10AM

1200 is too much for a port with crappy 3D graphics and missing the expanded stages from the SNES version.

Marvel vs Capcom 2 I will probably get, but only on PSN, because I will never play 2D fighters with the 360's terrible D-pad. I already have it on my modded original Xbox though.

Shadow Complex is a definite buy for me.

Link408 @ Jul 16th 2009 1:44PM

Damn, Thanks Bootleg

Definitely bookmarking those two pages

WREturns @ Jul 9th 2009 12:43PM

I will buy and enjoy Shadow Complex. That is all.

CTC XBL-supapaypamawio PSN-ctclaw @ Jul 9th 2009 12:47PM

Same. Braid is the only XBLA game I've paid $15 for. I know $15 isn't much, I just can't seem to justify paying that much for one of these games though.

Markez @ Jul 9th 2009 12:54PM

While I enjoyed Braid for a bit, I regret laying down that kind of dough for it. All in all, after finishing it and viewing it as a total experience I think that game kind of sucks bad.

CTC XBL-supapaypamawio PSN-ctclaw @ Jul 9th 2009 1:03PM

Really? I still haven't finished it, I always take my hard drive back and forth between 360's and everytime I do that it makes me start over so I've never really gone past the first 4 worlds. I've really enjoyed the time puzzles though.

Markez @ Jul 9th 2009 1:06PM

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it for awhile. The music and art direction is top notch. Then I just got horribly tired of slogging through it.

WREturns @ Jul 9th 2009 1:27PM

You didn't like Braid, Markez?! Damn you! I thought both Braid and Portal were amazing. They were both quirky with unconventional stories, solid gameplay and they didn't outstay their welcomes. Braid was melancholy and bittersweet, Portal was darkly hilarious and ingenious. I thought they were great complements to each other and two of the best games I played last year.

PeacefulOutrage @ Jul 9th 2009 2:09PM

I've spent at least $15 on:

Castle Crashers
Braid
Lumines (more including expansions)
Pinball FX (including expansions)
Roboblitz

I've enjoyed them all, but I kind of feel cheated a little on Roboblitz because we were told there would be a free multiplayer expansion that never came.

I still haven't bought Puzzle Quest since the price droppped, and I may never buy Bankshot Billiards.

343 Guilty Fart @ Jul 9th 2009 2:15PM

I waited for Braid to drop to $10 during some promotion before getting it. $15 is just too much to ask for 90% of arcade titles. That being said, I will probably get Shadow Complex.

Markez @ Jul 9th 2009 2:42PM

I've got Braid, Castle Crashers (which I just started getting into again), and Peggle.

I don't have Puzzle Quest for XBLA, but for DS. If you're into puzzle games, I consider it a must have, regardless of which platform you get it for :)

K1LLER HORNET @ Jul 9th 2009 6:57PM

i'll be checking out Splosion Man & Shadow Complex - thats 2000MSP right there.

good thing i've got a good source of cheap Microsoft points (over 60% off RRP!)

^ (UK Only) WOOT

Friend request & message me on XBOX Live if you want more info.

Gamertag: K1LLER HORNET

Heimbachae @ Jul 9th 2009 12:44PM

come ooooooooon giveaway contests!!!

dantebk @ Jul 9th 2009 12:45PM

Wow. $15 for TMNT. My goodness. My goodness gracious. A bit pricey.

Rhamsey @ Jul 9th 2009 1:47PM

thought the very same thing when i saw it.

Vidikron @ Jul 9th 2009 12:45PM

Well, first 800 became the new 400, and now it appears that 1200 is becoming the new 800. Not that a game like Shadow Complex won't be worth it, but I doubt all these are.

Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Jul 9th 2009 1:02PM

they are trying to get people ready for paying $60 for a XBLA title....trust....its some coming...

tmacairjordan87 @ Jul 9th 2009 12:45PM

So the standard's 1200 now eh? I remember when 360 first launched and everything was around 400, and it was a big deal to see an 800 point game.

tmacairjordan87 @ Jul 9th 2009 12:47PM

That being said I'll get the TMNT remake, but that's it for now. I'm trying to save money so I can get around 3 games when the full game program becomes available in August.

Amoveo @ Jul 9th 2009 4:54PM

When the 360 launched the games on XBLA were all garbage. It's only in the last year or so that we've started to get quality games. Microsoft kicked the quality up a notch and because of that they are able to kick up the price. No one would pay $15 for Uno or Hexic, but judging by these comments they would pay $15 for Shadow Complex.

Heavytoka @ Jul 9th 2009 12:48PM

Can't wait for TMNT

deejaymoogz @ Jul 9th 2009 12:49PM

Wierd, my local EB Games showed me a sku for Shadow Complex you can pre-order. I wonder if they're going to release it on a disc or do the same thing with GTA4's Damned DLC with just the code.

Altairio @ Jul 9th 2009 12:51PM

I thought Shadow Complex "likely won't be under $20."

1200pt XBLA games blow.

Dr. Stabbingworth @ Jul 9th 2009 1:48PM

Epic listened to their fans and priced it appropriately. Good on them. Instant purchase.

In all likelihood, they will sell significantly more copies @ $15 than @ $20-25. Enough to make up that $10 difference. See: Valve.

Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Jul 9th 2009 12:58PM

TMNT for 1200 points is just wrong....

sidenote Sony needs to promote PSN titles like this.....that whole "Spring Fever" lineup was a good start, now they need to continue on...

Neuromancer @ Jul 9th 2009 2:01PM

I think what you meant to say was, "Sony needs to continue unabashedly ripping off Microsoft's promotions."

Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Jul 9th 2009 2:51PM

huh??

Storm Eagle::The Blood Edge @ Jul 9th 2009 12:58PM

Unfortunately for my wallet, I am interested in all of those games. The only 2 I'll end up getting though will be TMNT (defininitely) and MVC2, but I'll be getting that on the PSN (as long as it comes out on a reasonable date).

Prox @ Jul 9th 2009 1:03PM

Yeah, I actually buy fewer games and end up spending less money overall due to the rampant $15 price points.

Back in the day when I could pick up a $20 card and grab two games, I bought stuff all the time. Now not so much.

FNG @ Jul 9th 2009 1:30PM

@ prox, where do you live and how much were you paying for these $20 cards? 19.99?

Shmil @ Jul 9th 2009 1:40PM

Its like a vending machine. A bag of chips used to cost 50 cents. So you would buy 2 bags with the one dollar bill you had. But then the price was raised to 75 cents. People who then only have that dollar bill are going to give you less. When XBLA games could easily be priced around 5-10 max they wouldn't be losing anything since its a digital copy.

Storm Eagle::The Blood Edge @ Jul 9th 2009 2:07PM

I just bought a bag of chips today for 50 cents. And got 55 cents back :)

Prox @ Jul 9th 2009 2:12PM

@FNG:
I live in Missouri, USA. Yeah, I guess the price is *technically* $19.95-$19.99, but I prefer to round and call it $20.

Regardless, 1600 point cards are *around* $20. Previously, I could easily buy one card and snag two games. Now that is ceasing to be the case. Shmil provides a good analogy of the situation (see above comment).