XBLA to Add Coin-Consuming Classics

The Xbox LIVE Arcade features a plethora of coin-operated classics, including the likes of Frogger, 1942, Centipede and Asteroids. But what kind of arcade doesn’t include the king of them all? That’s right, I’m talking about Space Invaders, and starting in early 2009, gamers will have the chance to play this 2D intergalactic masterpiece via the Xbox LIVE Arcade. Other pending releases include arcade heavy-weights R-Type and Arkanoid; sprinkle on a few new arcade-style gems and this list of downloadable content is worth more than that sack full of quarters your ‘70s era self would have spent.

Xbox LIVE made an intelligent list of selections to add to their XBLA. All in all they will be adding Arkanoid Live, Space Invaders Extreme, R-Type Dimension and Meteos Wars. Although details about Metal Slug 7 and The King of Fighters ‘98 Ultimate Match weren’t revealed, this list of titles looks to impress, so let’s take a closer look.

Both Arkanoid Live, and Space Invaders Extreme use the same basic gameplay mechanic as their coin-operated…Fathers? Grandfathers? (I don’t know how generations of arcade games work.) Space Invaders Extreme is based off of the Nintendo DS title, which received high marks upon its release and can be played with up to four players co-op style. Arkanoid sticks with its Pong influenced mechanic and boasts 120 levels with multiplayer functionality.

R-Type Dimensions is simply R-Type and R-Type II bundled into one package and given a new age look. The series has seen a shift from the 2D scroller to the 2.5D scroller (confusing, I know.) Game modes include online multiplayer for up to two players and the choice between playing the updated versions and classic format of the games.

Finally, XBLA will be adding Meteos Wars: you may have heard of the original Meteos , as it was also another critically acclaimed DS title. It’s considered part of the puzzle genre and is reminiscent of Dr. Mario or Dr. Robotniks’ Mean Bean Machine, of course with a few new twists.

XBLA looks to make some serious additions to their already impressive list of arcade games by adding more retro titles as well as a few new titles that are shoe-ins to the arcade hall of fame.