Xbox Live Retro Summer Games

[Wayde]

Well, tie my mullet with a bandana! Xbox Live is throwing an 80s Arcade game revival.

I don't know about where you are right now but it's very hot and humid outside over here in HomeTheaterFocus land. Generally sitting around indoors playing video games is the last thing I'm thinking of when summer arrives. After a long winter it's nice to get outside. But by mid July the sunshine that only a week ago felt warm now feels like a fiery blast from a damp furnace. After more than my share of yard work in the sun I'm ready to cool off in a dark rec room with a cold brew. Apparently Microsoft thinks that's the perfect time for some 80s retro gaming.

Microsoft and Xbox Live has started a new feature specifically for this summer called Arcade Wednesdays. Xbox Live will release a new Arcade game on Wednesday for much of the summer, they have a total of five lined up for release. So, if you remember the old days of going to the arcade and playing hits like Frogger, Galaga and Street Fighter you could be in for a treat if you're an Xbox Live gamer. The final installment of Arcade Wednesday will be the legendary Pac Man on August 9th. Personally I never liked that one very much but I will definitely have to give Galaga and Street Fighter II a look. Some of the games like Frogger that was released last Wednesday will have updated graphics you can choose to play. The graphics shouldn't interfere with game play and might make Frogger a bit more appealing on an HDTV with new illustrated back drops on which you can cross the road with your froggy avatar. Sounds thrilling. Or you can play it in 100% classic mode for you purists. Are there really purists for a game where you have to cross the road without getting squished and eat flies?

Arcade Wednesdays Schedule

July 12 – FroggerJuly 19 – Cloning ClydeJuly 26 – GalagaAugust 2 – Street Fighter II Hyper FightingAugust 9 – Pac-Man

Microsoft has been criticized a bit for not putting up enough content on Xbox Live. It's been decent but not exactly the groundswell of downloads Microsoft had originally promised. Apparently the powers that be at Microsoft has been trying to tie up some content to distribute over its Live service and it seems this is the result. Arcade Wednesday. Oh, and don't expect these thrilling classics to be free as they'll cost from $5 to $10 bucks a shot. It's no different than the other retro games already available on Xbox Live.

I know I'm old enough to remember the classics, I already have Gauntlet and Joust downloaded from Live. I look forward to adding Street Fighter and Galaga to my collection and then I'll do some 80s style party gaming. Kick out that Van Hagar and Ozzy, dudes! Let's see if we can find buyer for some jumbos of malt liquor so we can hang out at the arcade - just like old times.

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