Microsoft has announced that it intends to launch six classic Atari titles over Xbox live, from January 2007 onwards.
The six classic Atari titles are Missile Command. Battlezone, Tempest, and Warlords are in the works, along with dual releases of Centipede/Millipede and Asteroids/Asteroids Deluxe.
All the games will come in two flavours – original and extra-pretty. Warlords and Battlezone are both to feature online multiplayer, with the latter even supporting the Xbox Live Vision camera.
Playing these Atari favorites on Xbox Live Arcade offers gamers a next-generation experience found nowhere else. All Atari games for Xbox Live Arcade feature high definition graphics with enhanced sound effects, full online leaderboard support, TrueSkill matchmaking for multiplayer games and feature a variety of achievements. Gamers also have the option to play the original arcade versions of these classic titles.
“With our already diverse library of retro classics, original development and indie games, plus a host of new games hitting our service in the upcoming months, it’s never been more fun to play on Xbox Live Arcade,” said Greg Canessa, group manager of Xbox Live Arcade. “The Atari Classics in particular will provide an incredible gaming experience for our community and I personally can’t wait until everyone can play these updated versions for themselves.
“Years ago, we couldn’t even have imagined how gorgeous the classic games from 25 years ago would look with high definition graphics, but Xbox 360 has allowed us to make that leap,” said Chris Bergstresser, Senior Vice President, Atari Networks. “Enhanced with leaderboards, achievements and multiplayer support, these classic franchises are brought to a whole new level – offering gamers an experience like they’ve never had before.”