Empire Interactive has stated that they will release the classic Speedball II: Brutal Deluxe on the Xbox Live Arcade. Empire is also planning to launch the Double Dragon for the Xbox 360 via the XBLA.
The Xbox Live Arcade version of Speedball II will be the enhanced version but will preserve all the classic elements that made it a firm favorite among gamers. Speedball II, which was made by Bitmap Brothers, was first released for the Amiga in 1990. Double Dragon was designed by Yoshihisa Kishimoto and made its debut at the arcades in 1987.
Clive Kabatznik, CEO, Silverstar Holdings says, “This is another example of Empire updating a classic IP and bringing it to a brand new audience. Double Dragon will launch next Wednesday, and will be our first foray onto Xbox LIVE Arcade. Our statement of Speedball 2 demonstrates our unrelenting purpose to bring high quality classic titles to a broader market.”
Ian Higgins, CEO of Empire Interactive said, “We are pleased to be bringing this all-time classic to Xbox LIVE Arcade. With its vicious and addictive gameplay, and the ability to play multiplayer over Xbox LIVE, we are sure this will be the definitive version of Speedball.”
Speedball II: Brutal Deluxe and Double Dragon is expected to release on the Xbox Live Arcade on May 9, 2007. A PC version of Speedball II is also being developed by Frogster and is scheduled to release in the third quarter of 2007.