Xbox Live Arcade cavalcade continues on March 2

Posted by John as Shmups

Xbox Live gamers now have the chance to plan their purchasing schedule for March,thanks to Microsoft.

The publisher announced the full details of its March Xbox Live Arcade Block Party promotion. The initiative starts on March 3 with Signal Studios’ World War I-themed tower defense game Toy Soldiers for MSP 1,200 ($15), continuing with Slick Entertainment’s car-combat racer Scrap Metal on March 10 for the same price. 4J Studios’ update of venerated Nintendo 64 shooter Perfect Dark follows on March 17 for MSP 800 ($10).

Microsoft will close out the month with the release of Game Room, a free download that will serve as a hub for the publisher’s retro gaming push. Thirty Atari and Intellevision games will be available at launch. Microsoft shares that more than 1,000 titles are on the docket.

Games can be purchased for play on both the Xbox 360 and PC for MSP 400 ($5) or for an individual platform at MSP 240 ($3) apiece. Single rounds of any individual game can be played for MSP 40 ($.50). The Game Room will also support Xbox Live Avatars, as well as voice chat, 1080p graphics, cross-platform leaderboards, and achievements.

Gamers who pick up all three Block Party titles and the free Game Room hub will have MSP 400 ($5) credited to their Xbox Live account. Those who subscribe to Xbox Live’s Gold membership will also have their subscription extended by one month.

As for Games on Demand, Disney and Black Rock Studio’s Pure is available for only $19.99. The off-road trick racer received rave reviews upon its debut in September 2008. On March 2, Microsoft has queued up Bethesda Softworks’ acclaimed postapocalyptic role-playing shooter Fallout 3. However, pricing information is not yet available.

Technorati Tags: 2010, 2d shooters, March Xbox Live Arcade Block Party promotion, microsoft, shmup, toy soldiers, xbox live arcade news