We’ve got about a month and a half left before Minecraft hits the Xbox Live Arcade and obliterates your social life yet again.
May 9.
That’s your release date.
What, did you expect a lot of build-up and extraneous fluff? Sigh. Alright, I guess I’ve got space to fill, so let’s do this the traditional way.
Courtesy a blog post by eternally-smiling Microsoft figurehead Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb, comes word that Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition will arrive May 9. To wit:
MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION, May 9 for 1600 Microsoft Points
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.
It should be noted that this release is the end-cap of the newly-announced “Arcade Next” promotion that also heralds the release of Trials Evolution, Bloodforge and Fable Heroes. What’s that? You want details on those games too? You are so demanding. Fine, here:
TRIALS EVOLUTION, April 18 for 1200 Microsoft Points
“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, April 25 for 1200 Microsoft Points
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, May 2 for 800 Microsoft Points
“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.
Happy? Alright, now back to Minecraft. I fully expect PC gamers to sneer at this console release as watered-down pabulum compared to the game’s keyboard-and-mouse origins, but would anyone like to take odds on the success of this thing now that it has access to the lucrative console market?
Source: Major Nelson
