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View Full Version : Contra Coming to XBLA on 11/8 - Originals Coming by Xmas - Atari Classics Coming 2007


CheapyD
11-06-2006, 07:22 AM
Two press releases:

November 6, 2006

The Konami Code Returns! Contra on Xbox Live® Arcade for Xbox 360™

Relive the fight to stop the destruction of humanity in Konami’s classic side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, “Contra”, available on Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360 for download beginning Wednesday, November 8, after 0800 GMT (1:00 a.m. PST).

Use veteran Special Ops soldiers Bill Rizer or Lance Bean to battle the alien menace Red Falcon and all of its minions. Fight through the jungle, frozen tundra and steel fortresses in 8 challenging game levels. Gamers depend on high-tech weapons including the Mini Laser, the Fireball and the Spread Gun in their fight to protect the world.

“Contra” for Xbox Live Arcade includes enhanced graphics and sound and also features new multiplayer cooperative gameplay, allowing you and a buddy to work together from either the same console or through Xbox Live.

“Contra” is available worldwide for 400 Microsoft Points.

GAME FEATURES:
Players can opt to play the original arcade game or play in the enhanced mode with improved graphics and sounds
Xbox Live Multiplayer: Battle all 8 levels together over Xbox Live, or locally on the same console
Xbox Live features: Players can see how they rank against their friends with worldwide leaderboards and achievements
12 achievements: “Contra” offers achievements which range from straightforward to challenging for players of all skill levels
New visuals: Enjoy enhanced artwork including rendered new bullet effects and explosionsWHERE CAN I GET IT: Download “Contra” beginning on Wednesday, November 8, at 1:00 a.m. PST on Xbox Live Arcade.

“Contra”: 400 Microsoft Points, Rated E10 (Everyone 10+)

For more information, please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/livearcade (http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=j4e,o4n2,1c28,2h55,gwih,3l31,302o).



The big news from this one is that we will be getting some original games in XBLA by Xmas:

·Small Arms (Gastronaut Studios) – an indie-developed original title designed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade, featuring frantic multiplayer brawling combined with action and precision shooting.
·Novadrome (Buena Vista Games) – originally developed futuristic racing on Xbox Live Arcade.
·Assault Heroes (Wanako/Vivendi Games) – blast waves of formidable foes in this originally developed top-down shooter, single player or two player co-op action.
·Heavy Weapon (PopCap Games) – experience this irreverent, original side-scrolling action game that supports up to 4 players simultaneously.



November 6, 2006
No Cartridges or Quarters Needed! Atari Classics and More Coming to Xbox Live® Arcade
In addition to its robust classic arcade roster, Microsoft also delivers a great mix of original development and independent game titles to Xbox Live members this holiday season and into the New Year
Today, as part of the Xbox 360™ showcase event, Microsoft provided a preview of some of its holiday and early 2007 line-up for Xbox Live Arcade, the premiere destination for downloadable games. Centipedes, Asteroids and Missiles will be among the many gaming icons to visit gamers’ homes next year, as Microsoft and Atari, Inc. announced the future arrival of some of the most beloved classic coin-op games on Xbox Live Arcade.

Beginning in January 2007, Atari will release six titles on Xbox Live Arcade throughout the year. Both classic and evolved versions will be available for each of the following titles:


Centipede®/Millipede®:defend your village against an onslaught of centipedes, spiders, army ants and more. In addition to the classic mode, the evolution mode offers high definition graphics and special effects like motion blur, trails and particle-based explosions to make the experience as enjoyable today as it was decades ago.
Battlezone®: the original tank vs. tank action classic has received an Xbox Live overhaul, adding in exciting new multiplayer modes including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. This updated version is truly a must-have for any fan of the original, which is also included. Additionally, players can use the Xbox Live Vision camera to watch live video of their opponents. Combine these features with new special effects for weapon firing, impacts and explosions and you have one killer classic as you’ve never experienced it before.
Asteroids®/Asteroids Deluxe™: rotate, thrust, flip, fire and jump to hyperspace as you blast oncoming asteroids to smithereens just like in the 1979 original, but in updated, beautifully rendered, high definition graphics that complement the classic original.
Missile Command™:protecting your city from alien missile attacks has never looked better now that this classic has been overhauled with updated graphics and 3D rendered vistas. Choose from the evolved mode or the timeless original gameplay.
Tempest™: clear a web of enemies before time runs out and advance to the next stage, using an arsenal of weapons at your disposal. This evolved version features a graphics overhaul while maintaining the same addictive gameplay of the original.
Warlords®: a multiplayer classic that resurrects the competitive spirit of arcade games from years gone by. Knock out the other kings in their castles while keeping yourself protected at the same time. Up to four players can join the action with the game taking control of any vacant castles allowing for a variety of single- or multiplayer experiences. Gamers can also import their own pictures to their castles for an extra personalization.

Playing these Atari favorites on Xbox Live Arcade provides gamers with a next-generation experience found nowhere else. All Atari games for Xbox Live Arcade feature high definition graphics with enhanced sound effects, full online leaderboard support, TrueSkill™ matchmaking for multiplayer games and feature a variety of Achievements. Gamers also have the option to play the original arcade versions of these classic titles.

“With our already diverse library of retro classics, original development and indie games, plus a host of new games hitting our service in the upcoming months, it’s never been more fun to play on Xbox Live Arcade,” said Greg Canessa, group manager of Xbox Live Arcade. “The Atari Classics in particular will provide an incredible gaming experience for our community and I personally can’t wait until everyone can play these updated versions for themselves.

“Years ago, we couldn’t even have imagined how gorgeous the classic games from 25 years ago would look with high definition graphics, but Xbox 360 has allowed us to make that leap,” said Chris Bergstresser, Senior Vice President, Atari Networks. “Enhanced with leaderboards, achievements and multiplayer support, these classic franchises are brought to a whole new level – offering gamers an experience like they’ve never had before.”

Xbox Live Arcade’s diverse library of titles is going to keep growing, with a particular emphasis on new, originally developed games from indie developers and big studios alike. Over 100 indie developers and virtually every major console publisher in the world are working to develop games for Xbox Live Arcade. Some of the diverse titles we will be releasing by this holiday include:

·Small Arms (Gastronaut Studios) – an indie-developed original title designed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade, featuring frantic multiplayer brawling combined with action and precision shooting.
·Novadrome (Buena Vista Games) – originally developed futuristic racing on Xbox Live Arcade.
·Assault Heroes (Wanako/Vivendi Games) – blast waves of formidable foes in this originally developed top-down shooter, single player or two player co-op action.
·Heavy Weapon (PopCap Games) – experience this irreverent, original side-scrolling action game that supports up to 4 players simultaneously.
·Defender (Midway) – space combat classic updated for this generation.
·Contra (Konami) – the seminal side-scrolling shooter that started it all will be launching on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday, November 8 at 0800 GMT

About Xbox Live & Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live is the first and only unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox Live is a thriving online game community, connecting more than 4 million members across nearly 25 countries enabling the enjoyment of hundreds of social games, on-demand game demos, Xbox Live Arcade games, music and movie content.
Xbox Live Arcade enables gamers of all ages to easily play in new, fun ways with their friends anytime and anywhere. With more than 12 million game downloads to date and a vast library of independent, retro and original games, Xbox Live Arcade is a fast growing entertainment phenomenon. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/livearcade (http://www.uptilt.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=j4e,o4n6,1c28,2h55,gwih,3l31,302o)

Wolve11
11-06-2006, 07:29 AM
Sweet!

-GoodFella-
11-06-2006, 08:54 AM
Contra on XBLA?!?!?!, Awesome!!!!

halfbent
11-06-2006, 10:19 AM
Excellent news, it's going to get pushed back a few weeks at least with Gears of War and Guitar Hero 2 the same day - but it's definitely being purchased.

CAG 79
11-06-2006, 10:24 AM
Contra for only 400 pts? I was prepared to drop 800 but at 400 it's a definite purchase. The wait paid off.

daroga
11-06-2006, 10:30 AM
Wow, someone send a memo to Nintendo that $5 online enabled games are worthwhile. :)

Is this NES contra or Arcade contra? Can't recall if there's a big difference like with Bionic Commando or not.

getmyrunon
11-06-2006, 10:46 AM
If Warlords is what I'm thinking it was (a game where you had to use angles/geometry to fire a missile at an enemy castle while factoring in wind / elevation / obstacles) then that game was a ton of fun...

aniousjoe
11-06-2006, 10:58 AM
If Warlords is what I'm thinking it was (a game where you had to use angles/geometry to fire a missile at an enemy castle while factoring in wind / elevation / obstacles) then that game was a ton of fun...

it's more like 4-player brickout...

definitely entertaining, but still waitin' on rampart :drool:

LinkinPrime
11-06-2006, 11:03 AM
Atari classics? Meh! Hope they sell them as a bundle for 400pts or for 100pts each....doubt it :roll:

Weedy649
11-06-2006, 11:03 AM
Oh man i cant wait! Too bad ill be on campus at the time but i look forward to playing it this weekend.

400 points for enhanced graphics and online play? Its a dream come true!

Apossum
11-06-2006, 11:03 AM
Wow, someone send a memo to Nintendo that $5 online enabled games are worthwhile. :)

Is this NES contra or Arcade contra? Can't recall if there's a big difference like with Bionic Commando or not.


Pretty sure it's the Arcade version. Haven't tried it out, but I recall some people saying it's not as good as the NES version.

omacrion leader
11-06-2006, 11:17 AM
another arcade game...woot

Roufuss
11-06-2006, 11:26 AM
Atari classics? Meh! Hope they sell them as a bundle for 400pts or for 100pts each....doubt it :roll:

I was wondering when Atari would get around to pimping out its classics for the billionth time.

The kicker here is that they aren't nearly as fun as Namco or Konami's old games.

KaneRobot
11-06-2006, 11:52 AM
Why the does everyone keep saying that the Konami code will work on XBL Contra? If this is the arcade version (which most XBLA games have been), it won't work. The only way it will is if they altered the game to include it.

I suppose it would be very Microsoft-ish if they put something about the code in the header for the press release, and then have it not work.

If those Atari games cost more than 150 points each, something is very wrong. Hopefully Missile Command turns into a horrifying apocalyptic nightmare with the upgraded graphics...unfortunately they'll probably just make it "cartoony." Regardless, Missile Command DOES have the GREATEST GAME OVER SCREEN OF ALL TIME.

http://spyhunter007.com/Images/missile_command_the_end.jpg

Nice to see Small Arms will be out before Dec 31st. Interested to see how Heavy Weapon and Assault Heroes turn out.

Contra is another case of "Man! That game was awesome!"...then you play it for 5 minutes and wonder why you wasted the money. Pass.

thrustbucket
11-06-2006, 01:27 PM
If those Atari games cost more than 150 points each, something is very wrong. Hopefully Missile Command turns into a horrifying apocalyptic nightmare with the upgraded graphics...unfortunately they'll probably just make it "cartoony." Regardless, Missile Command DOES have the GREATEST GAME OVER SCREEN OF ALL TIME.


Sadly, you just won't see it for less than 400 points. There is just too much development that goes into even these old retro titles. Hooking up the live support, achievements and live presence stuff takes too much development to only charge 150 points. We have to remember that buying a retro title on XBLA is just not paying for a 20 year old game, you are paying for the whole live experience with it, which is 90% of the development.

If it was a simple matter of just porting, that might only take about a week, and it could easily only charge 150 points. (If all you wanted was simple emulation)

This goes back to the argument of SHOULD they be bringing so many retro titles given that it takes so much dev time to port?

daroga
11-06-2006, 01:39 PM
Sadly, you just won't see it for less than 400 points. There is just too much development that goes into even these old retro titles. Hooking up the live support, achievements and live presence stuff takes too much development to only charge 150 points. We have to remember that buying a retro title on XBLA is just not paying for a 20 year old game, you are paying for the whole live experience with it, which is 90% of the development.

If it was a simple matter of just porting, that might only take about a week, and it could easily only charge 150 points. (If all you wanted was simple emulation)

This goes back to the argument of SHOULD they be bringing so many retro titles given that it takes so much dev time to port?
And add to ti that $5 is very much an impulse purchase price, if they can charge more and not hurt total overall sales, why wouldn't they? If they aren't selling they can always cut the price, but it's going to be well received if they think "I might we can REALLY milk this" and jack up the price after release.

It's the same principle Nintendo has with the VC. Some of their titles are goofily expensive ($5 for NES Pinball? Really?), but they gotta start high and leave room to come down.

And some old games are just worth it. Even though its 20 years old, if I had a 360, I'd scoop up Galaga for $5 is nothing flat. Asteroids, though? Not likely.

Kendro
11-06-2006, 01:41 PM
I hope Nintendo enables some form of online play for classic games. I had planned for my Wii to be the ultimate all-in-one "retro" machine, even if ports appeared on GBA, XBL, PS3, etc. But that online co-op got me thinking, and I would rather have Contra for XBL instead of Wii if it doesn't include co-op, even if it means "splitting up" my classics on different machines.

jkircos
11-06-2006, 02:58 PM
Just tell me when I can get SOTN! That is going to be the best Xbox Live game ever!

LinkinPrime
11-06-2006, 03:47 PM
Oh Snap! I just read this:

Battlezone®: the original tank vs. tank action classic has received an Xbox Live overhaul, adding in exciting new multiplayer modes including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. This updated version is truly a must-have for any fan of the original, which is also included. Additionally, players can use the Xbox Live Vision camera to watch live video of their opponents. Combine these features with new special effects for weapon firing, impacts and explosions and you have one killer classic as you’ve never experienced it before.

This one for sure I'll get, this was a blast back in the day.

coolieman2001
11-06-2006, 03:56 PM
very happy with the 400 points to buy Contra. very excited to play it

gunm
11-06-2006, 03:59 PM
Whoo hoo! Co-op online Contra, I'm so there!!! My first XBL purchase with my $5 marketplace points. I love it.

Hopefully these games won't overlap consoles--not sure what I'd do if the Wii VC and XBL start to clash.

rabbitt
11-06-2006, 04:14 PM
Might give it a shot at 400 pts.

Jek Porkins
11-06-2006, 04:29 PM
For those who give it a chance, Warlords will be a multiplayer favorite. Great, great game.

Richlough
11-06-2006, 07:13 PM
All of these games will be better than Frogger .

infamyRISE
11-06-2006, 07:37 PM
Contra for 400 points has the eBoner™ moist.

Someone send Atari a memo: If you're going to release unoriginal content on XBLA, just make sure its as awesome (and as cheap) as Contra.

/fires up NESkimos [Contra Waterfall]

captainfrizo
11-06-2006, 07:38 PM
400 points for Contra? I'm there.

nintendokid
11-06-2006, 10:55 PM
How is BattleZone? I grew up during NES so I never played it. I know what Missile Command is. My uncle told me about it and the track ball when we watched Terminator 2 a long time ago. I play it on my gf's cell phone. I have a great time with it. I actually like it more than Tetris.

What is Battlezone?

Eastsidecracker
11-06-2006, 11:23 PM
If it actually uses the fullscreen instead of some cheap port at half screen (like recent games) I might get. Excited over all the new releases.

Ma12kez
11-06-2006, 11:31 PM
Finally, some damn original games. I hope they don't back out and push back the release dates after Christmas.

Roufuss
11-07-2006, 03:37 PM
So Contra will be out tonight at around 2 am?

ryanbph
11-07-2006, 03:46 PM
i am down for contra, too bad i will be getting gow 2night/tmro

dserafin1986
11-07-2006, 05:33 PM
Where's Track and Field at?

thrustbucket
11-07-2006, 05:48 PM
What is Battlezone?

It's a very old game. It uses vector graphics to give a pseudo 3D battlefield, and it's a tank simulator. Drive around shooting geometric shapes etc.

Undertaker4eber
11-08-2006, 06:04 AM
Contra is Up now. Just grabbed it but I have to open at work so I have to go:(

Sporadic
11-08-2006, 06:06 AM
Contra is Up now. Just grabbed it but I have to open at work so I have to go:(

Nice.

Only 32.46 MBs which is nice.

FaintDeftone
11-08-2006, 06:16 AM
I just got it. Unlocked like 4 achievements.

Sporadic
11-08-2006, 06:20 AM
Nice.

Only 32.46 MBs which is nice.

Man, I forgot just how bad I fucking suck at this game. I went through 2 continues before I made it to that maze thing. :cry:

danked
11-08-2006, 10:03 AM
the more games the more XBLA sucks ... contra looked and played like shit =(

danny-o
11-08-2006, 10:25 AM
Just got it...and all but one achievment. YOU CAN USE THE KONAMI CODE BTW. You just need to push B and A really quickly.

danny-o
11-08-2006, 10:26 AM
the more games the more XBLA sucks ... contra looked and played like shit =(

you didnt even try the demo. Thia ia the arcade version. if you think it looks like shit. you need to look at it retrospectively. It looked pretty cool for its time and it was fun,although hard as hell in the original arcade.

Corvin
11-08-2006, 11:19 AM
Finally, some damn original games. I hope they don't back out and push back the release dates after Christmas.

Same here. That is what I want. Per Major Nelson's podcast, 4 are in the bag for a definite release before Christmas with another possible 2.

Originals aside I can't wait for Worms. If they give me a Lemmings on top of that I would be a very happy man. Imagine an HD version of Lemmings where you can see the whole board at once. That would be cool.

thrustbucket
11-08-2006, 11:36 AM
the more games the more XBLA sucks ... contra looked and played like shit =(

Yeah no shit, goddamn those ugly 80's games, we should hate them for being so unadvanced.

Roufuss
11-08-2006, 11:40 AM
Originals aside I can't wait for Worms. If they give me a Lemmings on top of that I would be a very happy man. Imagine an HD version of Lemmings where you can see the whole board at once. That would be cool.

Lemmings will never happen as Sony owns the rights for it now.

CAG 79
11-08-2006, 11:43 AM
Just got it...and all but one achievment. YOU CAN USE THE KONAMI CODE BTW. You just need to push B and A really quickly.

Were do you input the code, in the main menu or on the menu that says "press A to Start"?

Roufuss
11-08-2006, 11:46 AM
I'm getting sick of games not running in full screen, either... I mean, wtf, I can't even stretch the box out to fill the screen, and that filler around the screen is retarded.

flybrione
11-08-2006, 12:18 PM
I'm getting sick of games not running in full screen, either... I mean, wtf, I can't even stretch the box out to fill the screen, and that filler around the screen is retarded.

You do realize that none of these classic games were made with the intention of widescreen. And while some let you adjust the ratio to fit your screen better, I find the default settings are the best with most of these games.

Even some of the complilations on the PSP do not support the screen size.

I can't wait to get home and play some Old School Contra and New School Gears of War!

Corvin
11-08-2006, 12:26 PM
Lemmings will never happen as Sony owns the rights for it now.

d'oh. Damn.

LinkinPrime
11-08-2006, 12:29 PM
Damnit Contra sucks...Guess nothing for me till Small Arms or Worms hits the XBLA.

Ultimate Matt X
11-08-2006, 12:38 PM
I'll be on Contra tonight if anyone wants to play.

HumanSnatcher
11-08-2006, 12:55 PM
I'd been wondering when it was comming out...hopefully my free points card will be in soon...

CAG 79
11-08-2006, 01:05 PM
I'll be on Contra tonight if anyone wants to play.

Want to do some co-op tonight? We can beat in about 10 minutes and get back to playing Gears of War.

Chris in Cali
11-08-2006, 01:07 PM
This version of Contra is lame, I'll stick to the NES version by far, at least it plays in full screen.

Roufuss
11-08-2006, 01:11 PM
You do realize that none of these classic games were made with the intention of widescreen. And while some let you adjust the ratio to fit your screen better, I find the default settings are the best with most of these games.

Even some of the complilations on the PSP do not support the screen size.

I can't wait to get home and play some Old School Contra and New School Gears of War!

They weren't made that way, no, but nothing is stopping them from making them full screen. It's really shitty to have to play this game in a little box in the center of my television, at least give me the option of stretching it all the way like in Street Fighter 2.

You mean to tell me it would be so difficult to make Pac-Man or Contra full screen? I highly doubt it would be. I don't have a very large tv and they cut my viewing space in 1/2 just because they want to "stay true to the arcade". Then, in the case of Contra, they give me a fucking stupid looking border.

That's fine and good, but let people who WANT to play the game with their full screen be able to.

BTW, I unlocked a few achievements but couldn't find any gamer pics, which is lame, because I wanted Contra gamer pics :(

This game controls like shit also.... it feels really sluggish.

Roufuss
11-08-2006, 01:57 PM
Felt like making a new post for this...

If anyone is struggling with the Tunnel Runner 1 and 2 achievements, just let the timer run out at the very end, the timer on the tunnels resets so you can finish the tunnel with plenty of time to spare and still get the achievement ;)

Graystone
11-08-2006, 04:21 PM
I was hoping this was going to be the NES version, but its $5, and its sorta like the NES Contra why the hell not.

Chris in Cali
11-08-2006, 04:24 PM
They should just leave the border black, these lame designs are distracting... they should at least be darker, solid colors.

KaneRobot
11-08-2006, 04:41 PM
This version of Contra is lame

Contra is lame, period. You guys are still looking at these games through the nostalgia filter.

Anything that old is just not going to be as fun as people remember it. Very few games stand up to the test of time like that.

captainfrizo
11-08-2006, 05:09 PM
I downloaded the trial edition of Contra last night. Wow, what a mess. From the controls to the horrible screen boarders, this is a train wreck.

sonicfreak5
11-08-2006, 05:34 PM
Small Arms (Gastronaut Studios) :)

Brak
11-08-2006, 05:36 PM
I prefer this version to the NES version.

coolieman2001
11-08-2006, 06:04 PM
dissapointed with this version. I want the NES version ! :(

Weedy649
11-08-2006, 06:06 PM
Guess ill have to download the trial when i get home tomorrow instead of the full game...

Im pretty sure it will still be worth 400 points to me.


Oh and for people who want the NES version, come now its called xbox live ARCADE it only makes sense that its the arcade and not the nes version

Graystone
11-08-2006, 06:28 PM
Oh and for people who want the NES version, come now its called xbox live ARCADE it only makes sense that its the arcade and not the nes version


Honestly, thats a damned good point that I've never thought of.

Eastsidecracker
11-09-2006, 12:18 AM
1/3 screen, damn.

Ultimate Matt X
11-09-2006, 01:05 AM
Want to do some co-op tonight? We can beat in about 10 minutes and get back to playing Gears of War.

I'm not sure if I can play tonight now, but if you wanna play sometime just add me to your friends list. I may still be on later though if you're still around.

dios
11-09-2006, 08:25 AM
they fucked this game up hard. feels really sluggish, and the online play is TERRIBLE.

LinkinPrime
11-13-2006, 07:56 PM
Images of Missle commands "Evolved" look:

http://images.xboxyde.com/gallery/public/4582/t_1172_0002.jpg (http://www.xboxyde.com/news_3795_en.html#)http://images.xboxyde.com/gallery/public/4582/t_1172_0006.jpg (http://www.xboxyde.com/news_3795_en.html#)http://images.xboxyde.com/gallery/public/4582/t_1172_0008.jpg (http://www.xboxyde.com/news_3795_en.html#)
Looks like its updated in widescreen :D.

__________
http://images.xboxyde.com/gallery/public/4583/t_1173_0010.jpg (http://www.xboxyde.com/news_3796_en.html#)http://images.xboxyde.com/gallery/public/4583/t_1173_0008.jpg (http://www.xboxyde.com/news_3796_en.html#)http://images.xboxyde.com/gallery/public/4583/t_1173_0012.jpg (http://www.xboxyde.com/news_3796_en.html#)
Centipide doesn't look that great:

http://www.xboxyde.com/index_en.html

danked
11-15-2006, 12:48 AM
yeah yeah they may looks better but the games still suck ..

any idea whats comin tonight ?