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Weekly 360 and Wii Downloads: A Plethora of Arcade Games

Sep. 8 5:18 PM by Terry Terrones

A ton of options this week for the arcade lover in you. There are 3 offerings on XBLA this Wednesday - retro/futuristing bowling in "Rocketbowl" (800 MS points), 2D sword fighting with "Samurai Shodown 2" (400pts) and "Shotest Shogi", a kind of Japanese chess. But wait, there's more! Gamers can also nab the new Buku Sudoku Puzzle Pack with 1200 new puzzles (200pts) and the N+ Level Pack (200pts).

On the Wii gamers can also pick up three games with "Groovin' Blocks" (800 Wii Points), "Final Soldier" (700pts), and "Cho Aniki" (900pts) available today. Read on for the fine print on all of this weeks releases.

XBLA

"RocketBowl" will be rolling onto Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, September 10 at 9 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT). If you're ready for a fresh twist on a classic sport, then youre ready for "RocketBowl"! This fun, retro-futuristic game features ten out-of-this-world courses and rocket-powered bowling balls. These super-charged bowling balls can boost, jump and turn to help you knock down the pins and earn extra points with wild shots. Compete in tournaments, challenge your friends in multiplayer, test your skills in mini-games and more! Every player has the opportunity to upgrade their equipment by using cash earned by winning matches and mini-games. You can choose from more than 15 unique bowling balls, including Strawbally, 8-ball, the Jupiter 5000 and the Kalamazoo Special! Developed by 21-6 Productions and published by D3Publisher, "RocketBowl" will be available for 800 Microsoft Points worldwide. The game is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

Hone you sword-fighting skills and claim your glory in "Samurai Showdown 2" available on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, September 10 at 9 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT). Choose from 16 glorious samurai warriors and prepare for an epic battle in an infamous 2D sword-fighting game. But be careful not to make the wrong move; in this game every move is crucial to the outcome of the challenge. Players also have the opportunity to battle samurais from all over the world to become lord of the sword! Developed by Mine Loader Software Co., LTD. and published by SNK Playmore Corporation, "Samurai Shodown 2" will be available for 400 Microsoft Points worldwide. The game is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

"Shotest Shogi" is a new spin on the classic chess board game. Already a hit in Japan, this sensational game is now coming to you on Xbox LIVE Arcade! Shotest Shogi is filled with world-class AI, challenging opponents, online multiplayer capabilities, incredible 3D graphics and superb tutorials. Try your luck against the provided computer opponents or challenge a friend on Xbox LIVE. Never played Shogi? No worries. Newcomers can learn the basics and the finer points in the "Shotest Shogi's" interactive tutorial. The advanced teaching system gives animated lessons and tests. Developed and published by AI Factory Ltd and Rubicon Mobile Ltd, "Shotest Shogi" will be available for 800 Microsoft Points worldwide. The game is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

Buku Sudoku Puzzle Pack - Don't miss out on the opportunity to extend your "Buku Sudoku" experience on Xbox LIVE Arcade. The new puzzle pack comes with 1200 new Sudoku puzzles and will be available for 200 Microsoft Points the Wednesday, which means you can solve six new puzzles for one Microsoft Point!

N+ Levelpack - The N+ Levelpack boasts 150 Harder Single Player levels, 50 Multiplayer Races and 25 Multiplayer Survival maps you can really sink your teeth into. Enjoy a challenge? This one's for you! Get your hands on it this Wednesday on Xbox LIVE Arcade for 200 Microsoft Points.

WiiWare

Groovin' Blocks (Empty Clip Studios, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): A music-based game like no other, Groovin Blocks adds innovative musical game play to an addictive action/puzzle game foundation. Play to the rhythm of the music to increase your score, and try to hit "Superbeats" to double your multiplier. Go for the high score in each of the 27 stages as you collect stars to unlock 15 levels of power-ups. Groovin' Blocks features three skill levels, from the accessible Casual to the fiendish Hard mode. Play with your friends in co-op mode or against them head-to-head. Head-to-head brings it up a notch as the power-ups now become attacks on your opponent. Play head-to-head with people of all skill levels using a golf-style handicapping system.

Virtual Console

Final Solider (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, Mild Fantasy Violence, 700 Wii Points): A vertically scrolling shooter from the well-known Soldier series. In the 23rd century, invaders from the future suddenly attack Earth. Controlling a fighter created by the world's scientists, you rise to meet the enemy. Collect power-up units, such as LASER, E-BEAM, FIRE and MISSILE, and then equip them in Options to launch a variety of attacks. For each of these weapons, you can freely select from three different types in SET-UP. Anticipate enemies' strikes and deftly switch between weapons to defeat the invaders. In addition to NORMAL GAME, there are also 2 MINUTE GAME and 5 MINUTE GAME score-attack modes. The most perfect blend and balance of any game in the series, Final Soldier is a title you dont want to miss.

Cho Aniki (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone and Older, Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 900 Wii Points): The odd world in this shooter made for quite the conversation piece in its day. Players control either Idaten or Benten, celestial warriors out to bring an end to the tyrannical rule of the emperor of Planet Builder, who holds muscular prowess to be the supreme virtue of the universe. Aided by able-bodied muscle-head options Adon and Samson, they must battle to defeat the emperors army across five stages. Use the buttons to fire away and lay into the Builder forces. Power up your character and options with protein from defeated enemies to have them "bulk up" with a yell, and take their macho battle to the next level.

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