CES: Xbox Live Game Room brings back the classic 25-cent arcade

Jan 09
2010

Leave a
Comment

(Credit: Microsoft)

LAS VEGAS–While it was great to get some solid hands-on time playing PS3 in 3D, Microsoft debuted something for the Xbox 360 that we’ll actually be able to play in late March; not to mention it’s much more practical too.

Xbox Live Game Room essentially allows you to create your own arcade, offering titles from many classic developers like Atari, Intellivison, and Konami. When the service goes live in late March, 30 titles will be immediately available with five to seven new games being released each week.

There’s no dashboard update required for Game Room, you’ll just need to download it once and launch it each time you want to play (the same way Netflix is set up). Once in the Game Room world, you’ll use your avatar to navigate through arcade cabinets. If an Xbox Live friend is currently playing, you’ll be able to see their avatar next to a machine and even be able to challenge them.

(Credit: Jeff Bakalar/CNET)

Game Room arcade titles will go for $3, though you have to option to purchase a $5 version of the game which will extend playability to a Windows Live account. If you really want to transport yourself back to arcade halls of the 80s, you can also play by 25-cent credits. Each arcade title in Game Room can be demoed for free once as well.

With Game Room, Microsoft is really trying to bring back the nostalgic social interactive element of a classic arcade scene. Using top-score notifications, you’ll be able to see what game a friend has played and how many points you’ll need to top them in titles like Asteroids and Centipede.

(Credit: Jeff Bakalar/CNET)

Computers-Plus