XBLA Arcade NEXT Promotion Detailed

Sure, we've seen Microsoft run XBLA promotions before, such as "House Party" and "Summer of Arcade", so why not add another to the mix?

Today, Microsoft revealed their "Arcade NEXT" promotion, which is set to feature some of the most hotly anticipated games to come to the service. We have all the details now for you, including what games are coming out when and how many MSP they'll set you back.

Trials Evolution - April 18th - 1200 MSP
Trials Evolution" is on every front, the next dimension of the smash-hit, award-winning "Trials HD." Bust out of the warehouse into an outdoor world of night and day, curved driving lines, and spectacular scenery. Multiplayer comes alive in your living room or on Xbox LIVE. Build your own tracks with the in-game editor or download those of any other player from the new Track Central. Customize your bike and rider with awesome gear and unique parts, enjoy innovative skill games, try ghost racing, beat your friends' scores and more! Don't miss the madness!

Bloodforge - April 25th - 1200 MSP
With a brutal combat system, stunning art style, and a deeply compelling story, "Bloodforge" empowers you to slaughter hordes of demonic soldiers, deformed worshippers, and the gods themselves, using ferocious Rage Kills, devastating Rune attacks, and furious Weapon Combos. Help seal Crom's fate - and the fate of the rest of the world - in this dark, visceral story of revenge, betrayal, and destiny.


Fable Heroes - May 2nd - 800 MSP
"Fable Heroes" is an action-packed, hack-and-slash adventure built for Xbox LIVE Arcade. It delivers a fresh spin on the "Fable" franchise with a unique art style and gameplay that takes playful competition to the next level. Whether on the couch or using Xbox LIVE, up to four players work together to defeat enemies while also competing with one another to collect gold coins and level up. Precious gold collected in Fable Heroes can be imported into the forthcoming Kinect title, Fable: The Journey, providing players with a valuable head start from day one.

Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition - May 9th - 1600 MSP
The infinite possibilities in "Minecraft" just got bigger. "Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition" brings the global phenomenon to console gamers for the first time. The Xbox LIVE Arcade version of the game features an innovative new crafting interface, natural controller movements, a full Tutorial mode to teach the basics and for the first time in "Minecraft," split-screen multiplayer as well as over Xbox LIVE.

All of these titles are being released during the period in which developers can decide to use the old or new XBLA Gamerscore cap, though Microsoft promises that all of these titles will have 400G and up to 30 achievements right out of the gate.