XBLA News: Arcade NEXT

Hot on the heels of February/March’s XBLA House Party, Microsoft is keeping the attention on hot-and-upcoming titles with “Arcade NEXT,” a promotion that not only features a slew of very impressive Microsoft-published titles, but a promotion that also boosts the maximum Gamerscore on XBLA titles to 400 Gamerpoints.

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(click the titles of each upcoming game for a link to its trailer)

Microsoft Studios Announces “Arcade NEXT” for Xbox LIVE Arcade

Beginning April 18, a new downloadable title will launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade from Microsoft Studios every Wednesday, through May 9.  Also, starting in April, all new Xbox LIVE Arcade games will include up to 400 Gamerscore, with up to 30 Achievements available to unlock.

TRIALS EVOLUTION (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: Ubisoft/RedLynx)

April 18 | 1200 Microsoft Points | E-10

“Trials Evolution” is on every front, the next dimension of the smash-hit, award-winning “Trials HD.” Bust out of the warehouse into an outdoor world of night and day, curved driving lines, and spectacular scenery. Multiplayer comes alive in your living room or on Xbox LIVE. Build your own tracks with the in-game editor or download those of any other player from the new Track Central. Customize your bike and rider with awesome gear and unique parts, enjoy innovative skill games, try ghost racing, beat your friends’ scores and more! Don’t miss the madness!

BLOODFORGE (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: Climax)

April 25 | 1200 Microsoft Points | M17+

With a brutal combat system, stunning art style, and a deeply compelling story, “Bloodforge” empowers you to slaughter hordes of demonic soldiers, deformed worshippers, and the gods themselves, using ferocious Rage Kills, devastating Rune attacks, and furious Weapon Combos. Help seal Crom’s fate – and the fate of the rest of the world – in this dark, visceral story of revenge, betrayal, and destiny.

FABLE HEROES (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: Lionhead Studios)

May 2 | 800 Microsoft Points | E-10

“Fable Heroes” is an action-packed, hack-and-slash adventure built for Xbox LIVE Arcade. It delivers a fresh spin on the “Fable” franchise with a unique art style and gameplay that takes playful competition to the next level. Whether on the couch or using Xbox LIVE, up to four players work together to defeat enemies while also competing with one another to collect gold coins and level up. Precious gold collected in Fable Heroes can be imported into the forthcoming Kinect title, Fable:  The Journey, providing players with a valuable head start from day one.

MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: 4J Studios/Mojang)

May 9 | 1600 Microsoft Points | E-10

The infinite possibilities in “Minecraft” just got bigger. “Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition” brings the global phenomenon to console gamers for the first time. The Xbox LIVE Arcade version of the game features an innovative new crafting interface, natural controller movements, a full Tutorial mode to teach the basics and for the first time in “Minecraft,” split-screen multiplayer as well as over Xbox LIVE.