Thanks to Hasbro, your favourite board games are coming to Xbox Live  and it sounds like there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

Under a Hasbro Family Game Night banner, games such as BOGGLE, BATTLESHIP, YAHTZEE, CONNECT FOUR, SORRY! and SORRY! Sliders will begin to roll out in Spring 2009. EA will showcase the highly anticipated lineup at the Consumer Electronics Show on January 8-11, 2009 in Las Vegas.

All games will feature both original and new ways to play, including a Party Mode that features multiple mini-game versions of each title. Additional customization features will allow players to earn virtual trophies, furniture and themes to decorate their personal virtual game rooms. The Hasbro Family Game Night lineup will take full advantage of Xbox Live community features such as online play, Achievements, the ability to launch new games without leaving the environment, and sharing customized space with friends. The EA Hasbro virtual game closet is slated to open in Spring 2009 with multiple games followed by additional releases throughout the year.

Although the press release only mentions Xbox Live, various sources such as 1Up are reporting that it could infact be a seperate games channel - much like the delayed Primetime channel that was due to be available when the New Xbox Experience update was released in November.

No doubt this will be clarified during CES which starts this week.

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Well if this isn’t a blast from the past! Witness the revival of 80’s mini-sensations the Madballs, the grotesque balls that… well, didn’t really do a lot. Still, the license to coincide with their modern day revival has been picked up by Playbrains who are bringing them to the Xbox Live Arcade some time in 2009.

Playbrains partnered with American Greetings Properties, who recently re-launched the 80s classic Madballs toy and entertainment brand, to develop the game featuring the hilariously grotesque Madballs characters. In the game, two Madballs characters crash land on a planet in the middle of a civil war between the peaceful Babos and chaotic Scorched forces and join the fray. The game features a dozen characters, each with special abilities, fighting with many different weapons across multiple landscapes. There is a deep single-player campaign and many different co-op and multiplayer modes of gameplay.

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Best known as a browser based flash game, Square Enix (yes the same one that produces  the endless tide of Japanese  RPG’s ) are bringing  Yosumin Live to the Xbox Live Arcade.

The game involves moving the adorable puzzle pieces around to make shapes in order to clear the board - a cross between Hexic and Bejewelled. Hardly the most original concept but bright and colourful all the same.

The information hasn’t been officially released yet, instead having been revealed by a Spanish site before making its way to Destructoid - they have an inside source who confirmed that it exists. That means there’s no launch date as yet (although multiplayer has been confirmed). Hopefully there’ll be more details whenever they decide to make it official and in the meantime you can check out the link below for some screenshots.

Source: DESTRUCTOID

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If you aren’t too busy getting ready for the usual New Years celebrations then you may be interested in today’s XBLA release.

Merv Griffin’s Crosswords - 800 Microsoft Points

From the Emmy -winning creator of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and hosted by Ty Treadway, Merv Griffin’s Crosswords combines over a thousand unique and challenging crossword puzzles with fast-paced game show action in an incredibly entertaining game for the whole family. Step up to the podium and become a word wizard!

* Puzzles galore: Become a contestant and play over 1,000 new crosswords including puzzles from the game show.

* Themes: Play your favourite themed puzzles—movies, music, TV shows, and more.

* Game modes: Step up to the podium and play as a contestant on the game show, or in any of four different game modes including Timed Mode and Daily Puzzle.

* Difficulty settings: Become a word wizard and play Monday, Thursday, and Sunday puzzles in three difficulty settings.

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As 2008 comes to an end, we crawl from the wreckage of Christmas to provide you with a run down of what we think were this years top games on XBLA. You can read it HERE - be sure to take a look and let us know what were your particular favourites.

And stay tuned over the next few days when we’ll also be running down our favourite games for the PlayStation Network and WiiWare.

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Seasons greeting and best wishes to all our readers! We’ll be taking a bit of a break over the Festive period while we play lots of games, eat and drink far too much, make idle promises to uphold a load of New Years resolutions and then breaking them straight away on January 2nd.

That means updates will probably be a bit erratic for a while, but be sure to check back in between now and the New Year for our features on the top downloadable titles of 2008.

Whatever you’re playing have a safe and happy Christmas and may your 2009 be full of gaming delight!

Regards

The Console-Arcade Team.

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Your Christmas week game on XBLA today is Puzzle Arcade for 800 Microsoft Points.

Puzzle Arcade is the online jigsaw game with a twist! With so many jigsaw puzzles at your fingertips, you can play in multiple modes and challenge yourself differently every time. Become Master of the Jigsaw Universe all by yourself or play alongside friends. The possibilities are endless in Puzzle Arcade.

* Puzzles galore: More than thirty-five jigsaw puzzles are included, featuring photos, artwork, and illustrations. Downloadable puzzle packs will follow.

* Multiple game modes: Try Classic or Turbo mode, with three levels of difficulty, and twenty different puzzle challenges.

* Multiplayer: Support is provided for up to four gamers at the same console and over Xbox LIVE.

* Camera support: The game includes Xbox LIVE Vision Camera support allowing you to make and share your own puzzles.

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This is the first footage of the rather nifty looking 2D game from D-pad Studios which we first talked about back in SEPTEMBER.

And when you’ve finished watching that, be sure to also check out Destructoid’s interview with them HERE which talks about putting the game together.

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The Xbox Live Arcade is getting a massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) thanks to developer Ankama Games.

Wakfu combines the turn-based aspect of a tactical video game with fluid real-time action. In the same spirit that animates its big brother, DOFUS, Wakfu will transport you to a magical universe full of sparkling humour. Players are awaiting the release of Wakfu with impatience, and this revolutionary game is sure to equal expectations.

You can expect to find Island of Wakfu launching some time in 2009 and in the meantime find out more about the animated cartoon, video game, card game and comic book (that’s a lot of stuff)  at the OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

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Here’s a bit of a blast from the past. Originally appearing as a sort of tech demo affair for the PC / 360 it looks like Ubisoft have now crafted it in to something playable and are bringing CellFactor: Revolution to XBLA and PSN under the title of Psychokinetic Wars. Here’s what the press release says:

San Francisco, CA - December 19, 2008 – Today Ubisoft announced it will be releasing CellFactor®: Psychokinetic Wars on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®Network from premier developer Immersion Games. CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars is a fast-paced first-person multiplayer shooter that puts players in the center of the battle of technology vs. humanity. Complete with next-gen graphics and robust gameplay, CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars allows players to wage war by using their choice of gunfire and/or telekinetic superpowers. Players can use telekinetic energy to rip objects from the surrounding environment and hurl them at enemies or draw on their powers to create a bullet-proof energy shield that protects against gunfire. Flying, teleporting and accelerated speed abilities give players countless ways to fight the good fight with plenty of intense combat action. CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Network and is rated “T” for Teen.

About CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars:
CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars combines both single-player and multiplayer components into one action-packed downloadable title. The game includes four multiplayer modes supporting up to sixteen players (Death Match, Capture the Flag, Team Death Match and Assault) and features a deep single-player campaign with 30 solo challenges, ten for each of the three characters. As your score increases, you gain access to added perks such as faster stamina regeneration, increased fire power and enhanced teleporting as well as unlockable customization options for your character. And with support for Xbox Achievement Points and PlayStation Trophies, CellFactor®: Psychokinetic Wars is destined to be one of the top games released on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Network.

Here’s the original video from 2006 which should give you a taster of how this will all come together.

One to keep an eye on for 2009 which is shaping up to be something special for downloadable titles.

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Hear that? It’s the sound of hundreds of Sega fanboys all fainting in unison. Yes, Outrun has finally been confirmed as coming to the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade at the start of next year.

SEGA’s classic arcade racer returns, but this time it’s in stunning HiDef and available via PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Developed by acclaimed Sheffield studio Sumo Digital, OutRun Online Arcade, will be available early 2009.

Test your time, speed and handling ability as you race through vibrant, colourful stages and rediscover the 15 glorious OutRun courses. From the steep streets of San Francisco to the beautiful beaches of California, it’s mile after mile of unrelenting acceleration, thrills and action. Feel the kick as you put your foot to the floor in one of the 10 high-performance, fully licensed Ferrari cars as you race your way across the U.S. to a killer soundtrack.

For the first time on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live, OutRun Online Arcade delivers online multiplayer racing for up to 6 players, with fast paced OutRun, Heart Attack and Time Attack modes, the draw to the open road has never been so appealing. OutRun Online Arcade on Xbox Live will feature achievements and voice; and on PlayStation Network will include trophies, voice over IP and leaderboards.

Which route will you choose on your drive for the highest possible score?

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Today on XBLA you really do get something for nothing, because the newest release is free. That’s right, you can get it for free. Nothing. Zip. Zero. A big fat nought. Just don’t mention Yaris…

Dash Of Destruction

Doritos’ Dash of Destruction is a fun and fast-paced racing game. Blast your way through cities as a hungry Tyrannosaurus Rex, as you chase a speeding Delivery Truck full of tasty Doritos. Or, try zooming in and out of the T-Rex’s path of destruction as the speedy Delivery Truck in search of your Doritos drop-off points. For even more racing madness, Chaos mode lets you and three friends charge through cities eating Trucks or trying not to be eaten. In Zen mode, eat the Truck to become the Truck!

* Great gameplay: Take control of a rampaging Tyrannosaurus Rex as he destroys cities in a quest for Doritos, or maneuver a ramped-up Doritos Truck at high speeds trying to make your deliveries and outsmart the T-Rex.

* Game modes: It’s fast-paced single and multiplayer gameplay with Zen and Chaos mode for crazy fun.

* By popular demand: The game idea was created by Mike Borland, and was chosen by popular vote as a part of the Doritos’ Unlock Xbox Challenge.

You’ll also find that Bomberman Live has been slashed in price down to just 600 Microsoft Points.

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Alan Moore is probably spinning in his swivel chair in disgust as you read this, but the Spike Video Game Awards last night gave the world the first look at the new downloadable Watchmen game.

Whether or not you think the whole concept of turning one of the most celebrated comics in to a game (or even a film) is deplorable, we have to admit that it looks nice. Expect the game to available at the same time the movie hits cinemas (March 2009).

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It’s back to having two releases this week on the Live Arcade.

Meteos Wars - 800 Microsoft Points

Take a ride through an intergalactic journey where you slide, stack, and ignite your blocks to blast away the world-ending Meteos. Only you can stop them from falling and crushing your planet! Master combo links and power-ups to challenge your friends in intense multiplayer sessions.

Puzzle games don’t get any better than Meteos Wars, where the story, situation, and environments formulate an explosive adventure.

*Planets galore: Defend over 20 planets, each with its own alien race, Meteos blocks, unique gravity effects, and visual and audio style.

* Special techniques: Master four of the “Planet Impact” special attacks — Armageddon, Gambit, Sentinel, and Tempest.

* Massive modes: Test your action-puzzle skills in a variety of single-player modes, including Mission Mode, Attack Mode, or Vs. Mode. Three challenges await you in Attack Mode — the One-Minute attack, 100-Meteo attack, and the Challenge attack.

* Multiplayer action: Blast away your opponents over Xbox LIVE in Matchmaking Vs. Mode and become one of the best Meteos Wars players in the community. You can also go head-to-head with your friend in Local Vs. Mode.

* New accessories: Collect various accessories for your aliens by clearing certain objectives. Accessorize your alien and give it some personality!

PowerUp Forever - 800 Microsoft Points

Survive! Assimilate! Evolve! In PowerUp Forever, you must grow to survive, and to grow you must destroy! Hunt and defeat enemy Guardians to harvest their glowing energy cores, gaining power to grow your ship and expand your weaponry. As you evolve, you attract the attentions of ever-larger enemies, and your fight for survival goes on.

* Procedurally generated environments: Never experience the same game twice as all of the enemy types and locations are procedurally generated.

* Innovative growth mechanic: The game’s growth mechanic adds a unique twist to the shooter genre and offers fun, exciting gameplay.

* Power up weapons: Power up cool new weapons, such as lasers, shields, and bombs that boost your arsenal as you evolve.

* High definition graphics: Experience true next-gen graphical effects and an exciting abstract art style providing eye-popping visuals.

* Multiple modes of play: Survive relentless waves of non-stop enemies in Survival Mode; defeat a series of guardians in the shortest length of time in Guardian Rush Mode; use only your shield in Defender Mode; or go for the unlimited weapons in Overkill Mode!

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Here comes EA with some downloadable ice hockey. And you aren’t seeing things in that picture, all the players do have massively oversized heads. Coming in February 2009 for 800 Microsoft Points or $9.99 / £7.00 depending on your chosen platform, here’s what the official press release says you can expect:

With fast paced action, crushing hits and loads of room to experiment, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade will have gamers from all walks of life excited about hockey. With no rules to hinder the action, deliver devastating checks that send your opponent over the boards and watch as he has to skate back onto the ice. If the goalie comes out of his crease to play the puck, check him. Exaggerated player-looks take center stage with 40 of the top NHL stars, representing every team, skating around the miniature rink. With game-changing power-ups falling on the ice throughout each session, serious is not the name of this game. Fly down the ice with a super-speed skater, and beat a giant sprawling goalie with a trick move for that highlight reel finish.

With two control schemes to choose from, players can pick between button controls that allow gamers of all skill levels to pass, shoot, hit and break out the all-new trick moves with ease, or the more advanced Skill Stick controls from NHL 09. 3 on 3 NHL Arcade also brings the online experience players have come to expect from EA SPORTS. In addition to standard ranked matches, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade allows the ability for three players on one console to play three other players on another console anywhere in the world.

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