Gamerscore Blog : Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 2:52 AM by Bastelyon

Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Four Xbox Live Arcade titles just got an auto-update that enables the use of the Xbox Live Vision Camera. The four games are:

Bankshot Billiards 2
Hardwood Backgammon
Hardwood Spades
Hardwood Hearts

Sweet! I've been looking forward to the Vision update to Hardwood Backgammon. I've almost got all of the achievements for that game. I just need to get the Backgammon Veteran (play 100 games) and the Online Gammoner achievements (complete 10 games in online play). Shoot me a friend invite if you think you've got what it takes to beat me and my mad backgammon skillz.

Filed Under: Tony Hynes, Xbox Live Arcade, Community, Xbox Live Vision

Comments

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 9:38 AM by DFx666

I'm sure whoever ran out and bought the camera on the release date is enjoying the updates, but what about the rest of us who don't care for the camera? Did XBLA Wednesdays come to an end? No more new games?

We've all seen DigDug, Totemball and Lumines on the XBLA website, and we're to believe none of them were ready for play? What about the supposed overflow of XBLA games that have been mentioned in the past? We couldn't even get one game for this week?

I'll be hoenst, I'm pretty disapointed about the recent XBLA releases (A new Uno Deck? Wow, likely took some photoshop geek a day to coem up with it) and when do we get some NEW games instead of the retro throwbacks (Scramble, Time Pilot, etc)? I mean sure the odd one here and there are ok (SF2, Pacman) but something new would be a really refreshing change. *insert rant about Lumines here*

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 9:54 AM by NxJ NightHawk

Dude, read the f*cking article again. XBLA Wednesdays was never permanent. After street fighter, no XBLA games were given a scheduled release date.

However i do agree that the retro releases are getting boring. I only get the indie games (cloning clyde, uno, marble blast-etc) because i like the cool graphics and the gameplay. Retro titles are one thing i'm not gonna be purchasing anytime soon.

MS, please bring out some new titles for XBLA or even just find a way to make "Whacked!" backwards compatible. That'd make my week right there and it'd practically be like a new XBLA game seeing as the graphics-etc are set in a party-style.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 10:04 AM by Ling Ling

how can I disable the in-game video from other players so my kids can play UNO safely?

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 11:25 AM by Feelz Good

Yeah they need to patch games to disable video.

What's up with Hold 'Em and Totemball?

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 12:09 PM by Brad

Where's the camera? I can't find it anywhere. I cancelled my preorder with amazon because it was supposed to ship yesterday but did not. Now they're saying 1 to 2 weeks. Only one of the local EB's has heard of it, and says they were expecting it today, but it's not on their shipping list. The other stores (4 or 5 other gamestops and ebs) didn't even know what it was and couldn't find it on their lists either.

This is crazy.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 1:06 PM by Christopher

Guys, Totemball _is_ _a_ _vision_ _game_. If you dont buy the vision camera, you cant play it.

Dont know why so many people on the net are jonesin' for Totemball and think they can play it without the vision camera.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 1:48 PM by DeaconBlade 360

@Ling, Feelz. unplug it. yes i know an option would be easier and i'm sure it's planned but for now. unplug it when you don't want to be seen. :)

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 2:25 PM by Xtramalt

I'm up for some backgammon, will keep my eyes out for you Tony.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 2:52 PM by Shawn Wildermuth

The problem with UNO isn't having the kids seen, but the kids seeing PG13 or worse stuff (as some other sites have done). If you unplug the camera does that mean that they can't see other's video too?

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 3:00 PM by Brad

It's official, none of the retailers in my area got the camera today. I guess microsoft missed their ship date. Bummer.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 3:08 PM by DeaconBlade 360

@Shawn,

ahhh...i see. it doesn't matter if the camera is inserted or not, you can still view someone if they have their camera enabled.

parents need to monitor the room i would imagine before things get started. an option, again, would be great....but i think closer monitoring is in order in such cases.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 5:27 PM by altdelete47

Yeah someone over at MS needs to get fired immediatly. No stores in my area have any idea when the Vision cams will come. Microsoft has been hyping up this camera for months now, and then they completely drop the ball when it comes to launching it. I have one pre-ordered and would really like to know when I can expect to receive it. With two competiting consoles launching in just 2 months, now is not the time to be pissing off your fans... I just want a camera. Is it really that hard to work out the logistics? Somehow Microsoft can pull off a world wide console launch, but they completely botch a simple accesory launch. Go figure

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 5:43 PM by Steve519

I've noticed that too, most stores in the Seattle area has not received there shipment of camera yet, and as far as totemball goes, I don't know whats up with that, its supppose to be up on the arcade yesterday, for those who have a camera, but its not there. Its kind of wierd.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 5:47 PM by altdelete47

Problem is Microsoft is so busy sucking (up to) Japan *** at TGS, that they forget about their real fanbase back here in the states. Show us the love.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 7:27 PM by PupaBoy

Can't find the camera anywhere here in Sacramento. I just preordered it a GameCrazy. They said I would get it on Friday.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Thursday, September 21, 2006 12:06 PM by Brad

WOW now best buy's website says not to expect the camera until October 30! Looks like something is really screwy.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Thursday, September 21, 2006 5:56 PM by Bastelyon

Sorry for my delay everyone, too much sake in Japan I guess (i kid, i kid).

The Xbox Live Vision Camera was shipped to retailers on the 19th. Some retailers take longer than others to actually get the product on the shelves (distribution centers, ect).

@Brad, that said, Oct 30th doesn't sound right at all. I'll flag that internally and see if I can get an update about Best Buy.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Friday, September 22, 2006 12:09 PM by Brad

The girl at the local best buy said that they often just put in estimates when they arent told by the manufacturer when to expect the units.

Supposedly all the EB's in this market are getting them today, even though the one I called this morning said they were not. They said nobody preordered them so they didn't order any at all at first. They also had moved their 360 section from the front of the store to the back corner which I thought was strange.

Still no indication anywhere else though.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Monday, September 25, 2006 5:12 PM by adam

i bought one yesterday from EB in Arizona. no Totemball though.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Tuesday, September 26, 2006 1:57 AM by Wiseguy

I'll be picking it up soon. Seems like everyone I know is enjoying it so far.

# re: Xbox Live Arcade Games Updated

Wednesday, September 27, 2006 5:05 PM by Cartman USAF

Where is TotemBall? I got the camera and nothing. Whats up with that

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About Bastelyon

I'm the Online Community Manager in Microsoft's Global Games PR department. I am responsible for our Online Community strategy for Xbox and Games for Windows. I've been at Microsoft for 5 years working in various community initiatives such as ClubWin, Expert Zone and the MVP Program. I was born and raised in the Seattle area and currently reside in the city of Woodinville with my wife and two kids.

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