News - GDC 07: Microsoft: 512MB memory unit, 150MB XBLA games
Posted by
Richard Brownell
at 01:11:20 AM EST on 3.5.2007.
Though both have been known for a while, Microsoft today officially announced two size increases. A 512 Memory Unit for the Xbox 360 will be available worldwide beginning April 3, 2007 and carry a $49.99 price tag in North America. An added bonus comes in the form of a pre-loaded game,
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. The original 64 MB Memory Unit will drop in price from $39.99 to $29.99.
Because Core unit owners rely on these memory units to store Xbox Live Arcade games, the increased size allows Microsoft to make its second announcement, that the new XBLA game limit will be 150 MB, three times the size of the current limit.
“The new size limit offers developers increased flexibility and continued opportunities for innovative game development, while also ensuring that the millions of gamers on Xbox LIVE can continue to easily access, download and play all Xbox LIVE Arcade games on Xbox 360,” said Chris Early, product unit manager for Xbox LIVE Arcade and Microsoft Casual Games at Microsoft. “If you take a look at current games like ‘Roboblitz’ and ‘Small Arms,’ it’s clear that our developers deliver amazing game experiences within a compact size limit. Our focus is on continuing to provide developers with an environment that allows for the creation of cost-efficient games and that nurtures an artistic and creative approach to game development.”
“As we prepare to launch our first Xbox LIVE Arcade game, ‘Boom Boom Rocket,’ we’re able to see how dynamic and creative this platform is,” said Chip Lange, vice president of Online Commerce for Electronic Arts Inc. (EA). “Having ‘Wing Commander Arena’ on Xbox LIVE Arcade allows us to take full advantage of the online play and bring to life a 16-player online arcade experience that delivers unparalleled arcade action.”
As part of this announcement, Microsoft gave a short description of five XBLA games being shown at GDC this week:
·
Boom Boom Rocket (EA and Bizarre Creations). This eagerly anticipated title from EA and Bizarre Creations is a hypnotic rhythm music game that will launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade this spring, priced at 800 Microsoft Points.
·
3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures (Sierra Online and Wanako Games). The first outdoor sports game on Xbox LIVE Arcade,
3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures lets players putt their way through 36 fun-filled holes on wild courses that include settings such as the Classic Carnival and the fantastical Outer Space.
·
Eets: Chowdown (Klei Entertainment Inc.). A completely revamped version of the popular PC title,
Eets: Chowdown offers a fun puzzle game experience unlike anything else available on Xbox LIVE Arcade, and features new items and 120 new levels.
·
Jetpac Refuelled (Rare Ltd.). This is a new take on Rare/Ultimate’s 1983 classic space blaster with enhanced graphics and Xbox LIVE features; players must clear a path through hordes of aliens to refuel their ship and amass a fortune over the course of more than 100 high-definition levels.
·
Pinball FX (ZEN Studios Ltd.).
Pinball FX offers an unparalleled pinball experience that will be fun for novices and experts alike, with realistic ball physics and stunning 3-D tables.
Pinball FX also features real-time, head-to-head competition over Xbox LIVE and Xbox LIVE Vision camera support.
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angelus_errare 3.5.2007 at 10:11:32 PM
I figure the limits are there in order to make downloadable games accessible to people with core units. When a larger memory unit comes around again, they'll probably raise the limit again. PS3 owners don't need to worry about limits since both versions of the console come with a HD.
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supersonic1305 3.5.2007 at 04:57:22 PM
Damn Microsoft and their limits. It's so pointless and embarassing considering Sony allows any limit and this is there first serious take on online.
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bidingtime 3.5.2007 at 12:26:37 PM
Jetpac, bizznitches, Jetpac.
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oystergod 3.5.2007 at 07:31:25 AM
I remember hearing that Castlevania was going to make its way to Xbox Live Arcade. It seems like it'd be too large of a file [PSX version?] even with this increased file size limit.
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bjork 3.5.2007 at 02:23:44 AM
Fantavision was pretty cool, though. It just got crap because everyone at PS2 launch was busy fapping over RRV cars with gloss and Madden characters that weren't blocky like PS1.
If it somehow came out that Mizuguchi was behind Fantavision, I wonder how many little faux elitists would suddenly love the game?
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unforgivingedges 3.5.2007 at 01:58:35 AM
"so, what differentiates boom boom from..say... FANTAVISION?"
Similar gameplay mechanic, different genre. Boom Boom Rocket is a music game, not a puzzle game.
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bounchfx 3.5.2007 at 01:35:31 AM
so, what differentiates boom boom from..say... FANTAVISION?
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bjork 3.5.2007 at 01:17:53 AM
Good times. I wonder if they'll do retro titles.
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unforgivingedges 3.5.2007 at 01:14:12 AM
Boom Boom Rocket is going to Rock(et) the mothereffing Casbah. If you own a 360 and don't download it, I will take personal offense.
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