Two all-new Xbox Live Arcade titles have been announced from Microsoft this week. Rez HD and Chessmaster Live will both arrive tomorrow (Wednesday, 30th) on the Xbox Live Marketplace for the usual M$800 points. Rez, originally a Dreamcast title, found its way to the far more successful PS2 where it become a cult hit. Mixing urban and industrial music with wire-frame visuals and a whacky adventure, Rez is nothing if not unique. This new XBLA release is a high-def reworking of the original by the peeps who XBLA'd the Lumines namesake.
Chessmaster, however, is exactly as it sounds; a chess game for XBLA.
A downloadable version of Ubisoft's hit "Chessmaster" series, "Chessmaster Live" allows players to test and tune their chess skills against the AI or opponents of all aptitudes around the globe via Xbox LIVE. "Chessmaster Live" features five original chess variants, including a Message Chess option, which allows gamers to engage in matches over the span of several days, weeks or even months. The title boasts both beautifully crafted 3D chess sets inspired by luxury chess board designer House of Staunton.
So, if you think you're as good as Deep Blue, you might want to consider spending your hard-earned M$ points here instead.